Sony's new PlayStation 4 designed for full entertainment

Sony has revealed its new PlayStation 4 console, promising to combine its film, music, television and game strengths in a powerhouse home entertainment box.

The machine, with sharp edges and blue highlights, allows unlimited used-game sales and doesn't require an internet connection, a contrast to two unpopular Microsoft features.

Sony Computer Entertainment president Andrew House said the next-generation consoles are built for the future while, at the same time, the company is remaining true to the new console's predecessor, the PlayStation 3.

The PS4 will launch with beefed up offerings at the Sony Unlimited cloud-based movie and music services, as the console expands into a complete home entertainment centre while remaining true to gamers.

There's no word yet on when it will be available for the Asian market, but House said that PS4 will be available in the US and Europe by the year-end holiday season for a price of US$399, £349 (HK$4,200) in Britain and €399 in Europe.

Microsoft will be hitting the market with a rival Xbox One console about the same time, but it will be priced higher at US$499 in the US, £429 (HK$5,170) in Britain and €499 in Europe. It won't be available in the Asia market until late 2014.