PS4 Will Make PS3's 'Good' Online Experience 'Excellent'

Sony’s next generation console may be launching at a much lower price-point than its predecessor, but SCEE president Jim Ryan reckons that it will improve upon virtually every facet of its current flagship format. However, according to the likeable executive, one area that’s been given the greatest overhaul is the system’s online suite.

Quizzed about the platform’s agreeable €399.99 price point by Dutch network RTL News, the smiling suit noted that he’s thrilled that the device is launching at a significantly lower sum than its predecessor. “I launched the PlayStation 3 seven years ago at €599.99,” he beamed. “I decided that I never want to do that again.”

But will the cheaper price tag result in a significant step forward? “You’re still going to get that ‘wow’ experience,” Ryan continued confidently. “You’re going to see everything that you ordinarily see when you transition from one console generation to the next. So, improved processing power, better graphics – but I think that the most interesting thing is the vastly improved online capabilities.”

The executive pointed out that when the PS3 launched, its network functionality was basic. “It got better over time,” he added, “but what we really want to do is take something that’s good now, and turn it into something that’s really excellent.” The firm’s aiming to do that by incorporating social network functions, such as the ability to share gameplay experiences and more.

“The ability for people to communicate with each other is vastly improved,” he concluded. “You’ll be able to watch your friends playing their games, and they’ll be able to watch you. You’ll be able to help them, and they’ll be able to help you. So, it’s about taking the way in which people live their lives in this day and age, and embedding them into the gameplay as part of the game experience.”

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