Sony undercuts Xbox, plans original PS4 programming

Sony is set to undercut Microsoft’s forthcoming Xbox One by US$100 (€75) when it launches its PS4 console and is planning original programming for the device.

At the E3 games expo in Los Angeles yesterday, Sony said that the new PS4 console would cost US$399 in the US and €399 in Europe when it launches ahead of Christmas, while Microsoft said it was pricing its device at US$499.99 and €499.

Showing off its new console for the first time, Sony said that Sony Pictures Entertainment is working on “new original programming and unique access to entertainment content” on the device – without giving further details.

In an official company blog post, Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, said: “We’re on the verge of launching the most powerful gaming system ever built with the PS4 and the entire PlayStation ecosystem is expanding with the continued growth and strength of PS Vita, PS3 and PlayStation Network.”

He added that globally there are more than 140 games in development for PS4, including over 100 that will be available within the first year.

Microsoft’s rival Xbox One console is due to launch in 21 markets in November and will include games, music, live TV, movies, sports, apps and Skype. At E3 Microsoft unveiled a string of new games titles for its console, which it unveiled officially last month.