PS4 release date, news and features

PS4's new look

The PS4 itself was shown off for the first time at E3 and it's black, just like the Xbox One. However, it has an angular design and appears to be constructed of a similar plastic to the original PS3 Slim machine.
It looks as though it's slimmer than the Xbox One but we're not totally blown away by the design. What do you think?

PS4 release date

The official PS4 release date is still only 'later this year'. Sony didn't reveal any more details on the release date at E3 so we're still in the dark. However, with Microsoft launching the Xbox One worldwide in November, it seems likely that Sony will be going live around this time also.
The PS4 combines shiny and matte finishes
Previously, Sony took out a newspaper ad in the UK, clearly advertising the PS4 release date as '2013'. That tallies with an interview in May with our buddies at CVG, a source inside Sony said that the company is pulling out all the stops to launch worldwide in 2013 and ensure that the PS4 is not trumped by the new Xbox.
Sony also advertised at the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium, London, with 'PS4 - coming 2013' signs.

PS4 price

Sony announced the PS4 price at E3 - it'll cost $399 in the US, £349 in the UK and €399 in Europe when it goes on sale later this year. That's a whole $100 cheaper than the Xbox One.
That price, it must be said, does not include the PS Eye camera, whereas the Xbox One will ship with the second version of Kinect.
The angular design is reminiscent of Sony's Blu-ray range
PS4 used games/online check-in

Many gamers will be pleased that unlike the Xbox One, the PS4 will offer unrestricted access to pre-owned games. So when you buy a titles, you are free to then trade it in at retail, sell it to another person, lend it to a friend or keep it.
There is also no online check-in requirement, and you'll be able to play games regardless of whether you're connected to the internet or not. The Xbox One requires an online check-in once every 24 hours and will lock you out of your games if this doesn't happen.