Hardware - 10/10 I won't bother you with all the technical specs and raw power that this machine has, you can go to other videogame sites for that. Out of the box you'll get everything you need to start playing (except the stand to set it vertically which is sold separately). You also get an HDMI cable which is pretty nice from Sony considering at this point all the ones I have are in use by some other console since my PS3 will still be used to finish all my pending games. The console gets a little loud when it first starts spinning up a disc, but it goes quiet again after a bit. Try to keep it in an open space with some room for circulating air. It doesn't get crazy hot but it won't hurt to do it. You get the power cable, the controller and a USB cable to charge it (BTW the controller can be charged while the PS4 is off). It's basically the same dimensions as the latest PS3 slim although this one looks way better next to your TV. No glossy finish, and the logos are barely noticeable. Hey, even the buttons to use it are very well hidden that it might take you some time to find them! It has 3 USB ports, that +1 from the PS3 makes a difference when you want to charge one controller, have a USB headset and an external drive.
Controller -9/10 I have already reviewed this item but in short, WAY better than the DS3 controller, the dualsticks are at a better distance for my thumbs considering I have big hands and the touchpad is a really nice addition too and I can't wait to see what other games do with it. Although the triggers were vastly improved too I should emphasize on the sticks. Their form and their material makes it perfect for long playing sessions and your fingers won't slip as easily as with the DS3 ones. There's a small speaker in it but it's not really a big deal. Remember how the Wiimote also has a speaker? Yeah, me neither. There is a light bar in the back that can be used if you have the camera so it can detect where players are sitting and your movement, similar to what the PS Move controllers did. I'll update my review if I ever get a camera too.
Software -8.5/10 I hope you're not one of the people having trouble connecting to the PSN and downloading the day 1 update they released (you can also go to sony's website to download the file and install it manually from a USB device) Powering up sometimes takes longer than I had hoped but once you're in, browsing is a breeze, especially in the psn store which makes it easier to find stuff than the previous version. Some users noticed that some of the media apps (for TV shows/movies) take a really long time to load. I'm not sure if that's Sony's fault or the third party that created the service. Hopefully they'll release an update for them soon. It's sad to see such a great piece of hardware and so powerful to still have to sit through very long loading times for thumbnails of TV shows.
One of the big selling points of this console is the ability to Share what you're playing, just a tap of the 'Share' button in the DS4 and you can almost instantly start streaming what you're seeing, get your friends to watch you play and comment on it, you can also add voiceover and I believe video (if you have the camera)
Games: Check out my reviews for Knack and Killzone to read my thoughts on those and as soon as I get NFS: Rivals I'll review that one too.
I'll keep updating this review as soon as I have more comments about it.
I'm also getting an X1 so I'm not a fanboy or anything for any company. I just play things and judge them for what they are. At this point there is nothing that would make me say to you "Don't get this". And $100 difference between this and the Xbox I have to admit it's a great advantage. We'll see how things turn out!
Videos
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PS4 Dualshock 4 Controller Tech
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PlayStation 4 E-3 Reveal Trailer
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Greatness Awaits Video
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