3. Gestures
Microsoft loves Gestures. If the next Xbox comes with Windows 8, then it’s a given that it will also support all the wacky Gestures that make it both unique and an utter annoyance for seasoned consumers. So take the idea of Gestures and implement it in a way that makes sense for the UI and stick it right to the big M.
We doubt Sony will go the whole nine yards and create a totally Gesture based interface, but expect a few little strokes and commands to be implemented (especially if an improved motion controller is announced).
Likelihood: Above average
2. Improve the Current Dualshock Design
It’s been rumoured that the upcoming Dualshock will feature a touchscreen. However, it will still be the same button layout, the same triggers and the same dual analog sticks. Don’t fix what isn’t broke, right? However, if Sony won’t change the basic Dualshock, maybe it will improve it.
Start with improving the materials of the device to make it less flimsy compared to the Xbox 360’s controller. Move on to the R2 and L2 triggers, which are just bizarre in their response and operation. Finally, yes to Rumble Support, no to SixAxis. The latter ended up as a boring, tacked on gameplay function and needs to quietly die.
Likelihood: Average
1. Backwards Compatibility with PS3 Games
This is just common sense. Honestly, for a system that has lasted as long as it has – even longer than the normal console cycle, which is usually 4-5 years – it’d be ludicrous to not have its successor support its extensive library. This is a double edged sword though: With backwards compatibility, Sony could encourage the purchase of upcoming games like The Last of Us and Rayman Legends for the PS4.
But this also means eating into the PS3’s current market share. After all, if the bigger better console can do the same thing, why not just wait for that rather than picking up the PS3? Of course, it also depends on whether the games will sell more among first time consumers or established systems. Maybe the final model of the PS4, whenever it may release in the next year or so, could include a backwards compatibility chip announced just a few months before retail day when the PS3’s heavy hitters have a good head start?
Likelihood: Above average
That does it for us. Now sound off and tell us what features you’d like to see most in the Playstation 4.
