Evolution of PlayStation
BDES 1001 — Digital Systems and Software
The PlayStation & PS1
In 1994, Sony Launched its first video game console, The PlayStation. Locally, it cost AU$699.95, compared with its American price of US$299. This console featured real-time 3D graphic technology and the fastest processor in gaming, at that time. What made it so popular? Unlike any other gaming console at that time, Sony introduced Dualshock controller. The controllers utilized twin motors to provide vibrating feedback to the user, based on what was happening on screen. This way, the vibration in the controller act as a touch point between the user and the video game. Later a slimmer model was made called the PS one, which replaced the original model. For this game console, the killer application was the music player, which allowed it to play audio CD’s.
PlayStation 2
Later in 2000, Sony released the PlayStation 2. Sony kept the same rectangle physical look of the console, but made it more sleek and black instead of the dull grey color. Because the Internet was becoming more commonplace among technology, Sony became the first console to embrace the Internet as part of gaming. Two years after it was released, a Network Adapter was released, which allowed gamer to play certain games online. This feature allowed gamers to play with other gamers around the world, therefore providing the user with a more diverse experience. Also, a Web browser was integrated in the console to “Surf the Internet”, which became the killer application. The DualShock 2, the PS2’s controller, kept the same look as the PS1, but featured subtle improvements that gamers appreciated, such as the face buttons being pressure-sensitive. Because the PS 1 was so successful, the PlayStation 2 came with over 10,000 games, to give the user a more enjoyable and engaging experience.
PlayStation 3
Over the years, Sony’s goal was to make the PlayStation more user centered. The PS3 was first released in Japan on November 11, 2006. The PS3 was released with a 20GB or 60GB version. The PS3 became the first console with a Blu-ray drive. Also along with the release of the PS3, came the launch of PlayStation Network. This allowed gamers to connect to the internet, download games, watch Netflix, and much more. Like the PS2 before it, the PS3 remained black, but eventually it slimmed down with a new model in August 2009. It was 33 percent smaller and consumed one-third less power. If that wasn’t enough, the current version of the PS3 is the “super-slim” that weighs about 4.3 pounds. The PS3 controller kept the same look as its predecessor but some changes were made to it. The Dualshock 3 became wireless and had vibration and motion sensor feedback, which was not available in the Sixaxis(the controller model before the Dualshock 3). This controller also allowed the six degrees of freedom and weighed more. It also came with a USB mini-B port for charging. The Dualshock 3 had a home button that allowed the user to return to the home screen through applications.
PlayStation 4
The eight-generation is upon us. Sony has never made a console that is as user-centered as the PS4. One can literal do anything on the PS4. The PS4 was released on November 5, 2013. The PS4 initially costed AU$549(Australia), which is, surprisingly, the cheapest launch price for any of the PlayStation family. The PS4 was released with a 500GB hard drive , Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi, and 4K video support. This console features a Blu-ray drive that is three times faster than the PS3’s, 8GB of GDDR5 memory, in-game chat, and more. The console is much more social than the PS3. It allows players to connect their Facebook and Twitter profiles to their game and play under their real names and compete with their Facebook friends. The PS4 provides access to all the major streaming services like Spotify, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Instant Video. The Dualshock 4 is arguably the best controller ever created. The Dualshock 4 is similar to the Dualshock 3, but some new features were added to give the user a better experience. Instead of the start and select buttons, which its predecessor had, it had a share and options button which made it easier for the user to use. Sony recognized that streaming game streaming is increasing, so they made it super convenient to do so. With the Share button, gamers can instantly stream their game play live through Twitch.tv, upload screenshots to Facebook or Twitter, or upload or save game play footage. The Dualshock 4 came with a touchpad for a more interactive and engaging experience. The top of the game pad features a light bar with three LEDs that illuminate in different colors, which can be used to identify players by matching the colors of the characters they are controlling in a game, or to provide enhanced feedback or immersion by changing patterns or colors in reaction to game play.
