Many would assume that Sony would have learned their lesson after what happened when the PlayStation 3 released in 2006. By November, 2006, the Xbox 360 already had a year head start into the market. This headset ended up dampening the excitement of the North American release, and proved to be a difficult mountain to climb for Sony and their newly released console. However, given a recent interview, it appears that Sony is not at all concerned with timing, and is primarily concerned with the overall quality of their system.

In an interview with Eurogamer, SCEA boss Jack Tretton outlined Sony’s plans for the PlayStation 4, and how they match up against its competitor, the successor to the Xbox 360.

We’ve never been first. We’ve never been cheapest. It’s about being the best. If you can build a better machine and it’s going to come out a little bit later, that’s better than rushing something to market that’s going to run out of gas for the long term.

In addition to the delayed launch of the PlayStation 3, many saw the initial pricepoints of $499 and $599 as too steep for the average consumer. Many swore off the console until the price claim down. Presumably, Sony would not position the PlayStation 4 anywhere near that point, or will they? Tretton, continuing:

Ideally, in a perfect world, you want the best machine that ships first that’s cheapest. But the number one goal is to be the best machine and that’s what we’re always focused on.

Personally, I want the best console available. If that means delaying the release a few extra months, I would be fine with that. Hopefully Sony learned their lesson about the pricepoint, and although it is not too big of an issue for me, it is a huge issue for many consumers.

Even if Sony has been quiet, it is clear that they are gearing up towards the release of the successor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 4. This year’s E3 conference was void of any news relating to the successor. Don’t fret, Sony understands your confusion, and they tell us why.

Speaking to GTTV, Sony’s senior vice president Scott Rohde explained the company’s reasoning behind not revealing anything about the PlayStation 4:

It was just something we didn’t feel was important to bring up this year. We had probably five or ten other games that probably deserved stage time that didn’t get it, right? We always have so much to talk about that we felt we didn’t need to talk about that just yet.

Additionally, Rohde made it clear that the company understands the growing length of the console lifecycle, and as a result, isn’t pressured into divulging too much information early on.

Believe it or not, PlayStation 2 still sells well in some parts of the world, so we’re still supporting that to a degree. It’s the way this company is set up – to handle those sorts of things – so it’s not something we’re concerned about.

While it is still surprising that the PlayStation 2 is still selling in some parts of the world, is amazing. But his logic makes sense. As we near the end of the PlayStation 3’s lifecycle, and as we inch towards the PlayStation 4’s release, it would be nice just to have some information on it already!

As this year’s E3 conference wraps up, the internet is abuzz with reactions, confusion, and some hostility over the abysmal showing of not only Sony, but Microsoft and Nintendo. Typically, E3 is highlighted by the explosion of new game “megaton” announcements, media, and information. Unfortunately, history cannot always predict the future, and this year’s E3 pays homage to that saying with a lackluster performance that should not only have gamers confused, but rather, furious.

Being a PlayStation blog, Sony will be the centerpiece of this article. However, it goes without saying that both Nintendo and Microsoft had their respective fan bases writhing with anger. Sony’s conference, which concluded Monday night, had solid information on two games that should have PlayStation 3 fans giddy with excitement. Beyond: Two Souls, developed by the same team who brought us the emotionally charged but redundantly boring Heavy Rain, looks to be promising.The game’s protagonist, Jodie Holmes, can see dead people. The game looks violent but also seems to drift into the same territory of Heavy Rain, which isn’t a bad thing. Still early to tell. Just like with Heavy Rain, the game is being headed by David Cage, of Quantic Dream, so gamers should look forward to an emotional roller coaster.

Finally, The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog, looks to be Uncharted, but with zombies. In the eyes of this reporter, that is certainly not a bad thing. The gameplay, which was Sony’s last announcement of their keynote, showed a tight scene with close quarters combat and a slew of obscenities. But this game was already announced! It wasn’t even a “megaton”, unexpected, straight out of left field announcement! Sure, the footage was great, but it was, at least for me, expected. But still, we have faith in Naughty Dog to deliver a finished product, and from what we saw, the game definitely looks like a AAA contender.

Aside from the two aforementioned games, what else Sony managed to put into their conference is a frustrating mystery. There was roughly twenty minutes devoted to Wonderbook, a gimmicky toy that allows users to act out the sequences in their “books”. The onstage demonstration featured J.K. Rowling’s A Book of Spells. The concept is cool, but just like the Wii, the fad will fade. Remember Eye of Judgement, and how quickly that faded? A video would have sufficed, Sony, but instead, on one of the biggest days of the year, when the collective eyes of the world are watching you, you misguidedly decide to devote roughly twenty minutes to a gimmicky toy that only my six year old nephew would enjoy.

And where was the support for Sony’s dying handheld, Vita? Aside from a Call of Duty title, which by the way, we saw absolutely no media on, and a new Assassin’s Creed game, where were the games? Admittedly, the new Assassin’s Creed game looks promising, but where were the first party games? Sony letting their handheld out to dry on the biggest media day of the year is suspect, and makes me wonder what their long term vision for the handheld is.

I could go on and on highlighting the various faults of Sony’s conference. However, they have been beaten to pieces by the internet the past two days. I won’t continue to do that here. Grading conferences and deciding who “won” and who “lost” is a favorite activity of not only news sites, but also fans. I say we spin this grading scale on its head and declare we, the gamers, as the losers. We should demand quality from these console manufacturers. Not only Sony, but the actions of their competitors also gives a glimpse of where the industry is heading. We are these companies lifeblood; we keep them alive. Not to say that casual games aren’t a bad thing, but we just want games, period! There was essentially no support for Vita; effectively digging its grave. If we vocalize our distaste, then things will change for the better. Until then, gamers, through no fault of their own, get a “F” for this year’s E3.

What better way to cap a horrendous E3 for all three majors, then the re-opening of Everyday Playstation. Yes, it has been awhile. I’m sure you have all missed me. All kidding aside, I’m excited to get back into the game and provide you with the best PlayStation news on the ‘net!

Stay tuned!

Cheers,
Kyle

Check It Here!

Yup, that’s right. Reports have been circulating the internet that some stores are indeed, releasing one of the most anticipated PS3 titles this year, early. In fact, some of these lucky individiuals posted their findings at the GameSpot, and NeoGaf, forums. However, no reports have surfaced stating which stores, are breaking the release date.

inFamous officially releases May 26th.

Source

For awhile now, we’ve been hearing reports about Sony’s version of the Wii remote. Now, it looks like those reports may be coming to fruition. Numerous sources have confirmed that the ‘PS3Mote’ will be officially announced by Sony, at this years E3. This is supposed to be Sony’s counter to Nintendo’s highly popular Wiimote.

Source

Note, all these releases are for North American, other regions may differ.

Playstation 3

Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust – Tuesday

Playstation 2
No releases

PSP

Patapon 2 – Tuesday

This just goes to show, that like Criterion, makers of Burnout Paradise, Infinity Ward is continuing support for the 2007 Game of the Year.

Fourzerotwo’s Tweet

The image above, located on the EA website, seems to hint at the timeframe in which the Madden 2010 demo will be available. Again, there has been no announcement, except for the above image, found on the EA website.

Madden 2010 is scheduled for a August 14th release, and will be hitting all consoles in the market.

EA’s Website