Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 4 console could play games streamed over the Internet using Gaikai technology, as well as traditional optical disc-based games, according to a news report.
The report, from the Wall Street Journal, claims the console will make PS3 titles and other games available via cloud gaming service Gaikai.
In July last year, the Japanese company acquired cloud gaming service Gaikai Inc. for $380 million (£245 million) and the sources say Sony is preparing Gaikai technology to enhance the new console.
This should be a way for Sony to provide a wider games catalogue for the PS4 from launch.
Gaikai technology could also offer cross-platform gaming, connecting the already PS3 enabled PlayStation Vita to the new console, and expanding PS4 compatibility to other smart devices such as Smart TVs and smartphones like the upcoming Sony Xperia Z.
Just after the Gaikai acquisition, Sony’s Head of Videogames Andrew house said Sony recognises that “the cloud and cloud-streaming technologies are going to have a profound and possibly a very positive impact.”
Sony is rumoured to be launching the PS4 at an event on 20th February (today).
Last year, Sony said it considered making ithe next version of its console online only, with now optical drives- requiring users to download all games via the web or on hard drives.
Sony confirmed that they scrapped this plan, but many analysts believe online only consoles are likely in the future, with services such as OnLive already emulating next generation console games via the web.
Analysts also expect that tablets and other mobile devices will match the power and graphics of today’s games consoles within a few years.
Since the PS3 launched, the rise of smartphone gaming has changed the face of the market considerably. There are more people playing games but they are gravitating towards cheap titles, such as Angry Birds, and playing on their phones.
Nintendo launched its Wii U console in November last year and though the company cut its sales forecast for the new console earlier this week, Sony will be reluctant to allow its rival to have the newest console on the market for another Christmas.
Microsoft, Sony’s other big rival in the console market, is also expected to unveil its next generation games machine this year. The successor to the Xbox 360, dubbed the Xbox 720, could be revealed at E3 this year.