Sony unveils 'bold' new PlayStation 4
Sony has unveiled the PlayStation4 console – but has refused to show off the console itself or how much it will cost.
And gaming geeks will have to wait to get their hands on it as the company refused to say when it would be available, although it is expected to be on sale in time for Christmas when Microsoft are also likely to showcase their latest Xbox console.
At an event in New York, which was streamed around the world, the Japanese electronics company confirmed widespread rumours of the next generation console.
PS4 system architect Mark Cerny said the fast new system will have a 8 gigabytes of memory and an updated controller called the DualShock 4.
The controller has a touchpad, a headphone socket and a light bar which can be tracked by a camera to detect where the player is. The expert said the new pad will give the gamer a "tighter sense of control".
Watch the replay of the PS4 press conference:
The new console has been praised by gaming enthusiasts as having the potential to be "game-changing". It is the Japanese electronics giant's first major game machine since the PlayStation3 went on sale in 2006.
Andrew House, the group chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment, told the audience and millions of people on the internet: "Today marks a moment of truth and a bold step forward for PlayStation as a company. Today we'll show how we are strengthening the PlayStation ecosystem."
He spoke of "magical experiences" and worlds that will "come alive" in a computer games experience that had the the gamer at its heart before giving a glimpse into the "future of play".
Technology enthusiast Alex Simmons, the UK editor of gaming website IGN.com, said the announcement of the Playstation 4 with its "incredible cinematic visuals" was a warning to its rivals.
He said: "This was an a show of strength from Sony and a powerful warning to its rivals about its next-generation gaming intentions.
"Its vision of modern gaming against competition from smartphones is exciting.
