Convincing the console "next-gen"

1. Shipping (not flow into the rating for the device)
Ordered on 11 June 2013, and delivered on time with Prime. Better one can hardly make from Amazon.

2. Install a new hard drive
Sony has designed the installation of a new hard drive very easy. Remove cover carefully loosen the fixing screw of the HDD cage, remove the cage and remove the four screws on the hard drive. Reassemble in reverse order.
Incidentally, I have decided for the SSHD Seagate with capacity of one TB.
Plus point definitely for expandability of the storage space.

3. Commissioning
After I connected the console to the rest of equipment. Per HDMI console was connected to the 5.1 receiver (I have this already existing and connected cables from my PS3 used) as well as via a LAN cable (not supplied) to the network. Then carried out the end of the power cord connection.

Due to the installation of a new hard drive, it was necessary to reinstall the system software. For this purpose, a 900 MB large recovery file to load on the support page of Sony and copy it to a USB flash drive (directory "PS4" -> "UPDATE").
The update was in "safe mode" (Power of mind. Hold 7 seconds until a second beep is issued) without problems and within a few minutes.

The console launched properly.

4. Console

a) appearance and quality of workmanship
Here the opinions may certainly differ. I find the console in their angular shape visually quite successful. The piano lacquer element raises a positive effect from the rest of the console from. The build quality could be better, however, in my eyes. Here, the pressure on prices at the expense of a higher quality housing seems however to have prevailed. Compared to the original "Fat" -PS3 the new console feels less quality. Personally, I would have paid rather 100 euros more, and for a housing höherklassiges preferred. To clarify: The case is not processed "cheap"!
Otherwise: All connections meticulously crafted, no faulty gaps - thus everything properly.

Bottom line for me four out of five points.

b) user / "PlayStation Dynamic Menu"
The interface looks very tidy and never crowded. I get along very well with it.

Five out of five.

c) functionality of the operating system
Well, what can you write a lot about it? The console should work and it works well. Crashes or the like I have not yet experienced. Even if it's a game console, I still miss functionalities of a media player. These include the connection of an external hard drive or by inclusion of a streaming server. That at present you can not play CDs, given the fact that Sony next Phillps also held a crucial role in the development of the compact disc, quite a blemish. Positive note is the combination of video on demand services or streaming services for music.

Four out of five points.

d) performance
Now the most important (for me) part of this review: The performance of the PS4.

1.84 teraflop / s currently 800 MHz GPU clock is already an outstanding achievement in the console area. In addition, 8 GB of GDDR5 memory. The hardware data are therefore beyond all doubt.

But how now looking games on the current generation of consoles?
Looking at the games FIFA 14, NBA2K14, Madden 25, Assassin's Creed Black Flag and Flower of tremendous 'wow' factor, the exchange of the PS2 to PS3 has brought with it missing.

However, one must also concede that particular NBA2K14, AC BF and Flower can have a game graphics that clearly distinguishes itself from the previous generation. Here -Resolution is already (in NBA2k14 and AC) in a "real" in 1080 (p) make out an impressive level of detail. This way, without any micro stuttering.

Absolutely I have no sympathy for those who devalue, the consoles of new generation due to the partly shifted release titles. If you consider that fantastic title at the end of the PS3 still came out / -Come (Uncharted 3, The Last of Us, GT 6), it is completely wrong to judge the PS4 in the games currently available.

The fact is for me: Chance are significant (and visible) jumps to make out in the image quality. In many cases, there are at least small improvements in quality that are not immediately obvious. The performance of the PS4 allows but much more - and I'm excited.

Full marks.

e) noise / heat
The fan of the PS4 regulates dynamically and can be compared, in my estimation with the PS3 in the Slim version. From times of the 60GB PS3 Fat one is miles away. Not worry about landing helicopter you have to make in the living room.

The drive is -if it aufdreht- clearly audible. Here, however, it is advantageous that games are completely installed. The volume when playing Blu-Rays and DVDs I will still test for and submit the results.

The heat development will be absolutely limited - after a few hours Assessins Creed is a warm air current single indication that the console is busy. The housing is also slightly heated. But the stove will continue to serve in the kitchen for the egg.

Full marks.

5. Controller
The DualShock 4 has already been pre-identified as one of the most important improvements. Here Sony has really done a good job in my opinion. The controller is located in a good way "difficult" in the hand and is well balanced. The longer frame horns are likely in particular to adult players benefit. The buttons have consistently good pressure points.

The added compared with the DualShock 3 touch area and the LED lighting for the "Playroom" feature are definitely improvements that can enrich the gaming experience.

It would be desirable to be able to turn off the LED would. Otherwise, it may result in reflections especially in plasma TVs. Disturbed it took me but within a game yet.

The DualShock 4 has earned a perfect score.

6. Conclusion
Given multiple reports of inoperative equipment that is being released in the US and Europe, I was quite worried that I would meet a similar fate. My console is currently running with no errors as the two machines in my circle of friends.

The gaming experience with the PS4 is currently really great. Smaller weaknesses will hopefully be ironed out with a software update Sony.

Considering the performance of the PS4 there can only be the choice of the PS4 or to submit to a good middle-class PC into the living room. This will be obtained in comparable hardware and software (incl. Blu Ray drive) hardly at a price of 399. In addition, not everyone will want to have a minitower in the living room.

I believe that one can expect a lot of the current Playstation. The hardware will be put both on the graph for consoles new standards and at the same time open up new possibilities for open world games.

Sony has delivered quite a good job now is but also to Sony to find out the causes of the errors occurring and to communicate this to the customer over.

Given a good performance and a functioning console my rating is five stars.