Sony PlayStation 4 May Be Unveiled Sooner Than Expected

PlayStation 4

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Specs of the Sony PlayStation 4 were revealed in an event last February where the controller of the PS4 was unveiled by the company. The company also revealed the stereo camera that features motion-capture functionalities. However it did not unveil the console itself.

But a source that had some knowledge about the marketing strategy of the company revealed that the next model of the game console from Sony may be launched by the end of this month or at the start of next month. The source added that the company is trying to increase the hype for the device as it released information about the console on a piecemeal basis.

A number of industry watchers were expecting more news about the PlayStation 4 during the Game Developers Conference recently, but apparently the company only disclosed some of the hardware used for the PS4.

Since the game console was not unveiled at the Game Developers Conference, it may be possible for Sony to organize an event that will launch the PlayStation 4 unless it will make the big reveal at the E3 gaming conference, which is scheduled to be held in June. The source indicated that Sony is aiming to do this for the PS4 and the event is set to be held around April or May.

On the other hand, the supposed Xbox 720 of Microsoft will reportedly be unveiled before the end of the month. However, it remains uncertain if this will indeed happen since the company typically makes a big reveal of major gaming products during the E3 event as shown with the Kinect and the Xbox 360.

A countdown was also posted by Microsoft on its blog to the upcoming E3 event this year. Some industry watchers indicated that this may countdown to the reported Xbox720.

However, Microsoft has not given hints about its supposed game console, it did not even give any indications that it was working on a game console. This is in contrast to Sony, which gave out some tidbits of information about the PlayStation 4. At present, only the Nintendo Wii U is the latest iteration of the game consoles in the market.  The PS4 and the supposed Xbox 720 are expected to be unveiled before the end of the year.

Since the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox 720 were not unveiled at the Game Developers Conference, Ouya and Oculus VR were highlighted at the event as the two Kickstarter-funded companies unveiled some products that they aim to release this year.

Preparations For Downloading Of All Nintendo Wii U Games Hinted

Nintendo Wii U Gamepad

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Reports have given indications that Nintendo may be offering all of its titles for download for its soon-to-be-released Nintendo Wii U game console.

Apparently the company aims to offer more access to its game titles to game enthusiasts for its upcoming Nintendo Wii U. Currently, the company is offering developers the capability of downloading all the games for the upcoming game console in order to increase its appeal. The source of the report has reportedly been in contact with a developer in Europe who has offered accurate information in connection to the Nintendo Wii U.

The developer reportedly indicated that Nintendo was offering a number of incentives for publishers such as downloading to the console in order to sell its games. The Wii U eShop will reportedly offer the games for downloading.

Nintendo reportedly mentions the eShop on the Nintendo Wii U website as the digital storefront that will become available once the game console enters the market. However it does not give indications that all the games will be available for download through the eShop although it has indicated that users some games for the Nintendo Wii U that are offered through retail outlets will also be available for purchase and download through the eShop.

The absence of a clear-cut digital strategy has been one of the criticisms that Nintendo received in the past. Although the company has reportedly offered Nintendo Wii titles for download and videos can be streamed through Netflix, it still has to offer a digital strategy similar to its competition. However Nintendo has reportedly indicated that digital will be a major component for its strategy for the Nintendo Wii U.

In addition to game play, the company also revealed that YouTube, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, and Netflix will be accessible through the Nintendo Wii U. For the moment the company has not made any statements in connection to the reports on the availability of all the games for download for the game console.

Nintendo Wii U GamePad Introduced By Nintendo

Nintendo Wii U Gamepad

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The latest Nintendo Wii U GamePad that comes with a 6.2-inch display that is touch-sensitive and features an NFC reader was introduced recently by Nintendo. The tablet controller can reportedly be used as a remote control for a television.

The Nintendo Wii U Gamepad was unveiled by Satoru Iwata, the president of Nintendo through a steamed presentation prior to the opening of the Electronic Entertainment Expo or the E3 event.

The NFC technology on the Nintendo Wii U Gamepad will allow the tablet controller to read as well as write data from cards. The technology is normally used for mobile payment systems.

According to Iwata, the Nintendo Wii U Gamepad is not just a simple evolution of the Nintendo Wii since it is also considered as a different product entirely. The gyro and motion sensors on the tablet controller allow it to sense movements. Players who have different skill levels will also be able to play well together with the intuitive motions that are used to control games.

Two stick controllers are also featured on the Nintendo Wii U Gamepad instead of the circle pads that are found on the 3DS since the latter is designed more for use on mobile game consoles.

The ‘Miiverse’ was also emphasized by Iwata since it gives players the opportunity to make their own Mii avatars. The Miiverse is the online social network of the Wii U. The Mii and the universe will reportedly be created with the list of Mii avatars and games being displayed on the television screen while the screen of the Nintendo Wii U Gamepad will show the games and applications lineup.

Text messaging will be available to allow Miis to communicate with each other although players can also write the text using their hands. In addition to the Nintendo Wii U Gamepad, the Wii U Pro was also unveiled to offer a traditional gaming experience for some users who prefer it.

The release schedule and the pricing of the Nintendo Wii U Gamepad and the Wii U Pro have yet to be revealed by the company, most likely during the E3 event.