Yesterday evening Sony officially revealed the first information about its new console: the PlayStation 4. Hypable liveblogged the announcement, and now we can bring you a summary of what we learnt.

The PlayStation 4

We didn’t get a look at the actual PlayStation 4 console, but we learnt that the PS4 will run off an 8 core CPU and an enhanced PC AMD GPU. The console will have 8GB of GDDR5 memory, a built-in hard drive, and USB 3.0.

The controller

The Dualshock 4 controller features a ‘share’ button, which allows players to stream their gameplay directly through streaming platforms such as Ustream. An LED light bar will change colour to match the player’s in-game character, or when, for example, your character takes heavy damage. The controller also features a small touchpad. Start and select have been replaced by a single ‘options’ button.

In addition, a dual camera that sits on top of your TV or console is able to track the 3D location of the new controllers through their light bars.

Games

As expected, there were limited announcements about PlayStation 4 software. We got an announcement trailer for Killzone: Shadow Fall:

A new inFAMOUS game, Second Son, was unveiled.

There were further trailers for Knack (a platformer with an interesting art-style), The Witness (a colourful puzzle game), DriveClub (a racing game) and Deep Down (a third-person fantasy action RPG).

Sony also revealed that hotly anticipated open-world action game Watch_Dogs will be one of the Playstation 4’s launch titles, in addition to the other platforms (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PC) it was already due to release on.

Diablo III will also release on both the PS3 and the PS4, Blizzard announced. The Witcher: Wild Hunt has been confirmed for the PS4, as expected.

Expect tons more software announcements at E3 in June.

Gameplay

Players will be able to press the controller’s power button to resume gameplay right where they left off, through ‘suspend mode.’ Titles will also be available to play as they are downloading, and software can be updated even when the console is switched off. Players will be able to play the PlayStation via remote play on the PS Vita.

“See the future”

Sony also released a video showing game developers talking about the potential of the PlayStation 4, and Sony’s vision for the future.

Pricing and release

No pricing details were given during last night’s event. The PlayStation 4 will launch in North America during the holiday season.