Not so long ago, gaming on a console was a pretty clear cut affair consisting of the machine itself, a controller or two, and a television. But in the modern day, it’s as much about the motion sensors and companion apps as it is about your standard gaming experience, and with both Sony and Microsoft dishing out plenty of exciting peripherals and accessories to supplement their respective next-gen consoles, the former has just revealed its official PlayStation 4 app for both iOS and Android.
The Japanese outfit took a moment during a press conference at the 2013 Tokyo Game Show to state that the official PlayStation 4 app would be launching in November for iOS and Android. As the pragmatic thinkers among you might have noticed, it’s the same month of the forthcoming console’s actual release, and according to reports, the apps for both iOS and Android will in fact drop contemporaneously to the PlayStation 4’s official launch.
As you would imagine, it works in much the same way as any similar companion app you might have encountered in the past. The app facilitates some of the exciting features first revealed at the official PlayStation 4 launch ceremony back in February, including the ability to second screen with certain titles and or use the device as a controller itself.
As any avid gamer would no doubt agree, a physical controller is nearly always better than a touch-screen for accurate control and maximum effect in-game, but if you’re in need of an additional gaming pad and don’t have any to spare, there will come a time when the smartphone will come in handy.
The app is said to be closely tied to the Sony PlayStation Network, which will in turn allow users to check out the movements of their buddies and send and receive multiplayer invitations.
All in all, it sounds as though Sony is really pulling out the stops in its renewed battle with Microsoft for console supremacy. Both consoles have their individual strengths and weaknesses, for while the PS4 may be cheaper and quite a bit more powerful, the Xbox One has the trump card of the second-gen Kinect – a follow-up to one of the most successful peripherals of all time.
We’ll keep you updated on any further next-gen related console news, so stay tuned!
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