PS4: 7 Things We Hope To See In Sony's Next-Gen Console

4. Backwards Compatibility... Via Cloud Streaming

We know that Sony has something cloud-centric cooking with its recent acquisition of Gaikai, and I really hope that it comes in the form of a streamable back catalog. Perhaps we'll see a second tier of PlayStation Plus, where those who shell out a bit of extra cash will have access to the massive libraries of the original PlayStation and PS2. Who knows, maybe they'll even find a way to squeeze some PlayStation 3 games on there as well.

And why stop with just PlayStation 4 support? Who says this service can't carry over to the PlayStation Vita as well? Clearly I'm a bit of a dreamer, but something like this isn't too far out of the realm of possibility. Will we see it day one? That would be ideal, but something tells me we'll have to be patient as we wait for Sony to work out all of the kinks.




3. Second Screen Connectivity With Vita

For whatever reason, Sony likes to copy Nintendo. We saw it with the Move controller, and again with LittleBigPlanet Karting and PlayStation All-Stars. I really hope that they don't feel compelled to create a whole new tablet controller, when they've already got the perfect solution out on store shelves. There are loads of untapped potential for interconnectivity between the PlayStation Vita and the upcoming console. If done right—which sadly probably won't happen—the PlayStation Vita could blow the Wii U's GamePad out of the water.

The issue here is that the Vita almost certainly won't come bundled with the PS4, so not everyone will have this second screen option. [CrossBuy for PS4 & Vita? If only. ~Ed. Nick] As such, developers won't be quite as compelled to take advantage of the feature, especially if the Vita continues to struggle. I'm just holding out hope that Sony's got something so awesome by way of interconnectivity that gamers and developers will be willing to invest in the concept.




2. "PlayStation 4"

Sony opted out of going with the traditional numbering scheme for the PSP's successor, but I really hope that doesn't carry over to their console line. If the Wii U has taught us anything, it's that consumers like things simple and straightforward. If they decide to call it the PlayStation Orbis or something else along those ridiculous lines, they're going to confuse the average consumer. Sure, the number four bears some sort of negative connotation in Japanese, but seriously, are they really going to go out of their way to avoid using that number? I don't think so.

Plus, we're anticipating a bunch of fourth entries in a number of Sony's signature first-party franchises. Imagine if they came out of the gate swinging with God of War 4, Killzone 4, and even Uncharted 4; I wish I could throw Resistance 4 and/or Jak 4 in there, but that's a bit farfetched. Wouldn't that be a great marketing opportunity for the company? Oh wait...




1. A Price Tag Under $599