PlayStation 4 launches in North America

Sony Computer Entertainment has today launched PlayStation 4 (PS4). The PS4 system is now available in the United States and Canada for USD $399 and CAD $399.

Its supercharged PC architecture – including an enhanced Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and 8GB of GDDR5 unified system memory – is designed to ease game creation and deliver a dramatic increase in the richness of content available on the platform.

With a press of the "SHARE" button on the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller, images and videos can be shared with other players in the activity feed on their PS4 system's Dynamic Menu, or on social networking services such as Facebook. Gameplay images can also be shared with friends through Twitter. In addition, players can broadcast their gameplay in real-time using live internet streaming services such as Ustream and Twitch.

The PS4 system integrates second screens, including the PlayStation Vita system, smartphones and tablets. Through Remote Play, gamers can play most PS4 titles on their PS Vita system via Wi-Fi on their home network, freeing up the television for other uses.

The PlayStation Plus membership service has been further enhanced on the PS4 system, with access to a regularly refreshed collection of free games. At launch, PS Plus members will have access to Resogun from SCE Worldwide Studios and Contrast from Compulsion Games for free as part of Instant Game Collection. PS Plus also gives PS4 system users access to online multiplayer, one GB of online storage for game saves, automatic save data backup, and game patch automatic downloads.

The console arrives with a lineup of over 20 first- and third-party games, including exclusive titles like Knack and Killzone: Shadow Fall. In total, the PS4 system promises to have a library of over 30 games by the end of the year.

The PS4 system launches with third party games like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, NBA 2K14, Battlefield 4, FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, Need for Speed Rivals and NBA LIVE 14. PS4 also launches with a diverse list of indie games including Blacklight Retribution, Warframe, and Super Motherload.

Looking ahead, the PS4 system will evolve through PlayStation's cloud gaming services, available in the U.S. in 2014. Based on Gaikai's cloud technology, the services will enable users to have access to a catalog of PlayStation 3 games on the PS4 and PS3 systems, followed by the PS Vita system.