The new means new shiny toys, and one of the most anticipated pieces of gadgetry in 2013 is Sony's next-generation PlayStation console. While it's still a ways off from being revealed or released, the official specs for the PlayStation 4 seem to have leaked out already.
Some 90+ PDFs containing details about the PlayStation were leaked to Kotaku by an individual called SuperDae. This is the same SuperDae who previously tried to sell Xbox 720 dev kits on eBay. The specs listed below are based off the latest PlayStation 4 dev kit, model DVKT-KS000K from January 2013. Until Sony releases the official retail specs, there is no way to tell how the console will look when it hits shelves - so bear in mind things could change.
The PlayStation 4 will apparently be running on an AMD64 "Bulldozer" processor with a total of eight cores coming from four dual cores. The PlayStation 4 will also have 8GB RAM, according to Kotaku, which is different than some reports which claim the PlayStation 4 will use only 4GB instead. Given the fact the Xbox 720 is most likely using 8GB, and the clamoring by developers for more RAM, 8GB seems most likely.
Kotaku also states the console has 2.2GB video memory, a 160GB hard drive, four USB 3.0 ports, and utilize Blu-Ray. The PlayStation 4 has HDMI and Optical audio outputs in 2.0, 5.1, and 7.1 channels.
The PlayStation 4 will also come with a new controller, which should be utilizing a touch pad like the one found on the back of the PS Vita. This touch pad should recognize two-point multi-touch and become an additional button with a simple click. The controller will also have improved motion sensing, but Kotaku states that there is no indication it will include biometrics.
The Kotaku report also states that the PlayStation 4 will incorporate a more advanced user account system.
The PlayStation 4 is expected to be revealed around around March or June of this year, and could release during the holiday season to stay competitive against Microsoft's Xbox 720.