There’s a new rumor going around that directly affects the PS4’s release date, specs, and price. Supposedly Sony may consider a new hardware bundle containing the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita, its respective next-generation gaming console and handheld gaming device. And even better than the offering could be the price, allegedly set at $500 for both platforms.
According to VideoGamer.com, “Inside Gaming Daily claims to have been told by a ‘well-placed anonymous source’ that a bundle containing the two consoles will release at ‘the end of the year’ for ‘around $500’ (~ Ł325).” While we have yet to hear of a hard release date — sometime by the holiday season — we do know that the price of the PS4 is to cost around $399, already $100 less than rival Microsoft’s Xbox One. The Vita goes for $249.99.
The bundle deal would surely be an attempt to outdo Microsoft and its Xbox One as the two consoles are stuck in a perpetual warlike rivalry with none emerging as a clear victor. Both makers and consoles offer a number of engaging features and impressive technical specs, but with so many similarities the preferential treatment will either go towards whichever one the user is most familiar with after so many years or whichever one is priced lower.
Interestingly, the source also points to Sony being “keen to push PlayStation Vita’s functionality with its upcoming next-gen platform.” The Xbox One is being heralded as an all-in-one entertainment hub with cross-device syncing capabilities, so its only natural that Sony would make a similar attempt in this regard. And the bundle cost certainly helps. But the Vita has also been employed by Sony as a type of remote or controller, similar to the Wii U. But seeing as how the DualShock 4 controller is equipped with such great operational functionality, using the Vita as such would almost be a waste.
As for features we already know, the PS4 allows for background uploading and downloading meaning the console can both update itself and download games while being played and engaged with. Users will also have the ability to stream their game play sessions online and create quick video clips to send to friends and share with the PlayStation network as well as various social media platforms. PS4 also allows for streaming games instantly.
