PS4 missing features and platform restrictions

Sony has launched a massive, comprehensive frequently asked questions (FAQ) list on their blog which details what fans can expect from the Playstation 4 on day one when they finally get to unboxing it.

While the FAQ answers a lot of questions about how the PS4’s software and services will work, a few interesting answers appear on the FAQ that reveal new information and possibly identify features that Sony plans to add over the console’s lifetime.

As more questions are identified to be pertinent to the FAQ, they will be added in as the 15 November US launch date nears.

One interesting thing to note is that Sony bluntly says, “No” to many questions about features and the PS4’s capability. While it paints a bleak picture for early adopters, Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida once said in an interview at E3 that, “it is better to under-promise and over-deliver than to do the opposite and keep having to retract features and good ideas.”

A previous version of the FAQ also said that DLNA support would not be coming to the PS4. Yoshida responded on Twitter that DLNA support would be under consideration for a future platform update following massive fan response.

So despite the number of things that Sony has said won’t be available on the PS4, it may well be the case that they’ll support some of these features in later system updates. Below is a list of the questions and answers that stood out.

What type of hard drive does the PS4 system use?

The PS4 system is equipped with a 5400 RPM SATA II hard drive. Users can choose to install a new hard drive so long as it complies with these standards, is no thicker than 9.5mm, and is larger than 160GB. [i.e. Sony will only officially support 9.5mm drives, larger sizes at your own risk!]

Will users be able to connect an external hard drive to expand storage on the PS4 system?

No, this feature is not supported on PS4.

Will the PS4 system support 4K content for video or gaming?

Support for high-resolution 4K output for still images and movie content is in consideration, but there are no further details to share at this time. The PS4 system does not currently support 4K output for games.

Does the PS4 system support analog video or audio output?

No. the PS4 system’s video and audio are transmitted using HDMI, a common digital connector found on most HD TVs. Additionally, the PS4 system can output 5.1 or 7.1 audio via DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL).

If I rent a game disc, and then decide I want to buy it digitally, can I use the installation to avoid downloading it and just activate my license?

In this example, you would have to delete the disc install data and fully install the digital version of the game.

Can my child’s PS3 sub-account be changed to a master account on the PS4 system once they are past the age of 18?

Unfortunately, no. In this case, we would advise creating a new account. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Will the PS4 system be able to automatically download system software updates?

Yes, system software updates will be automatically downloaded for all users.

Can users switch the light bar off and on?

No.

Is it possible to output all game audio through DUALSHOCK 4 controller’s 3.5mm headset jack?

Yes, you can select the Output to Headsets option to either ‘Chat Audio’ or “All Audio.”

Can I use PS Vita Remote Play via 3G?

No.

Will I be able to play MP3s on the PS4 system?

No. [Sony adds that feedback on this feature is ongoing.]

Are users able to record, distribute or stream any gameplay video?

No. Users may not be able to record certain areas within the game. Developers can select the area of restriction, and what will be restricted will depend on game titles. In these cases, recording will be temporarily suspended during the scene. [i.e. this is an anti-spoiler feature]