The next-generation PlayStation console will display resolutions up to 4096-by-2160 and show 3D games in 1080p, but it may render second-hand games useless, according to an online report. Games would only be accessible for the purported new console, codenamed Orbis, on brand new discs or as downloads from the PlayStation Network. New discs would require online authentication via PSN and then be locked to the account of a single user, according to Kotaku. See also PS4 release date, specs and rumour round-up. UPDATE: see our story - PS4 launching Holidays 2013 full details.
While these are only claims from anonymous sources at this point, the idea that console makers are looking to destroy or at least restrict the second-hand gaming and rental market is not surprising. The move could push more users toward using Sony's PSN Store to download game titles. And game makers would also welcome the lockdown, as Kotaku points out, since it would remove the need to create so-called online passes to bilk more money out of second-hand gamers. Online passes typically offer pre-owned game users access to online features or new content downloads for a fee.
It's not clear what Sony's purported plans would mean for second-hand gaming havens such as GameStop or online disc rental services such as Gamefly. Kotaku says one possibility for pre-owned discs, when inserted in another console, could be that users have access to a trial version of the game with the option to purchase the full version.
If Kotaku's claims are accurate, this is just the latest example of how technology companies are moving toward locking down computer hardware as much as possible. Sony has already shown its desire to keep the PlayStation closed when it went after hacker George Hotz for distributing jailbreaking tools for the PS3. Microsoft is also said to be considering an anti-used game restriction for its next-generation Xbox console.
This lockdown mentality is also creeping beyond consoles, smartphones and other devices to PCs. Microsoft currently plans to lock down the Metro-style interface on Windows 8 PCs by restricting Metro-style apps to the company's own app store. Some critics fear Apple may eventually lock down the Mac as well, restricting users to purchasing apps only from the Mac App Store. At this point, however, Microsoft is going farther than Apple when it comes to PC lockdown.
Sony's Orbis is purportedly scheduled to launch before the 2013 holiday season and beta consoles could be in developer's hands by the end of 2012, Kotaku says. The company's current console, the PlayStation 3, debuted in the U.S. in late 2006.
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Comments
Ildefonso Jorge Da Costa said: its not just sony you may not believe it but microsoft as been doing it for years and Apple will be starting as steeve is gone dont know much of apple but i know steeve jobs was acreator meaning as soon as all good ideas is gone they will have no choice but to follow the copycat trendmany of us knew that the system as been in development for quite a while but no idea about the name or exact date it would be releasedfor the datethey did tell us on an old mag that ps3 will have a lifespan of 10 years to 2016 but expect the nextconsolearound 2014that was details found onofficialps magazine i have no idea which one but many of us has already read it by sonythe same thing was done to the psx timeand the same thing will be done to the ps5 whatever it will be calledread the early magazine when ever a new consoles is out its normally the month after they tell you yes we have started work on the new console and it will be out around estimates but accurate
Yezzzsir said: Ditto Sony have been going down hill for a number of years screwing over their customers I already decided I wont be buying their next system I only hope others wake up to their crap too Oh yeah no-one knew last week about the new systembeing indevelopment with releasebefore 2016Now it has a name and plans for next year Thanks for the updates Sony Just bought amp upgrade for my PS3 memory I prob wont be needing
Cefcasans said: Sony never learn Youd think they would after messing up with the PS3
Mick Ross said: just another rip off by sony i wont be buying one if the ps3 games cant be played on it