PlayStation 4: Sony CEO Says It Is ‘First And Foremost’ A Gaming Console

Sony CEO Kaz Hirai says the PlayStation 4 is “first and foremost … a game console.”

In a hard jab to Microsoft’s soft underbelly, Sony has attacked the Xbox One, if indirectly, for being a universal entertainment console. Sony understands that gamers buy a console for one reason, and it’s not to watch TV.

After the consoles are released and the hype has died down, what sells a console is the games. Even Nintendo had to be reminded of this fact after stating that very same thing years ago, as now the Wii U, as innovative as it appears to be, is starting to get some potentially great games on the horizon.

Kaz Hirai stated at the AllThingsD D11 Conference, “The most important thing we need to make sure we do, at least initially, is that we all agree and understand that the PS4 is a great video game console that appeals to video gamers. If we miss that part than I don’t think we get the initial establishment of the console.”

Sony may have been retooling the PlayStation 4 and its image a bit recently after Microsoft’s Xbox One reveal launched a gaming tirade over pushing concepts we don’t want, such as DRM (digital rights management, AKA used game regulation) and the “always on” internet connection requirement. Gamers took to Twitter to protest both, and Sony listened while Microsoft’s then creative director turned snarky and started making fun of the protesters.

Needless to say, Sony and its PlayStation 4 is looking pretty good right now in the eyes of the gamers.

The PlayStation 4 will still have other uses, but at least Sony’s CEO knows what gaming consoles are supposed to do.

Kaz Hirai added about the PlayStation 4 as a gaming console, “We take a look at this first and foremost as a game console. We don’t want to end there. That’s an area we will obviously reveal and talk about in the coming months.”

What do you think about Sony’s CEO claiming the PlayStation 4 is “first and foremost” a gaming console?