An anonymous source claims that the next PlayStation console won’t have backwards capability or play used games.
With rumors flying around from all sides about the next line up of next-gen consoles from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, a “credible source” has revealed to Kotaku several details about Sony’s next PlayStation console. The PlayStation 4 is currently code-named the “Orbis”, and will hit stores in late 2013 just in time for the holidays.
Kotaku’s source stated that “select developers” have been receiving development kits for the new platform since the beginning of 2012, with the goal of having launch titles ready to go for 2013’s holiday season. The new Sony platform will include a high end AMD x64 CPU and an AMD Southern Island GPU, supposedly allowing the Orbis to render games at resolutions up to 4096×2160, far beyond the capabilities of most current HDTVs. The Orbis will also allow users to play 3D games at full 1080p, a full 360p more than the PS3’s current 720p resolution.
While the promise of super wickedly cool graphics does sound enticing, the Orbis’ shiny hardware will apparently come at hefty price. Kotaku’s source stated that the Orbis will not be backwards compatible with PS3 titles, and will also block gamers from playing used games.
Kotaku’s source suggested that games shipped for the Orbis will either be PSN downloads or on a Blu-Ray disc, which will then be locked to a single PSN account and require users to have an active internet connection to play. It’s believed that pre-owned games for the Orbis will have limited functionality (such as a demo mode) until a registration fee is paid, similar to how online passes must be purchased for used PS3 and Xbox 360 titles in order to access extra content like multiplayer.
As this is just a rumor, all of this information has to be taken with a grain of salt, but given Sony’s prior attitude towards backwards compatibility, there may be a kernel of truth buried in there. Supposedly, Sony will lay all the rumors to rest at E3 this year, so we may just have to wait and see.
Source: Kotaku
