PlayStation®4 (PS4™) to Add Anticipated Features and Social Enhancements

SAN MATEO, Calif., March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced it will release system software update version 2.50, codenamed "Yukimura," for the PlayStation®4 (PS4™) system on March 26, bringing highly-anticipated and requested features to the system. These forward-looking updates include the Suspend/Resume feature, which enables gamers to jump in and out of their games quickly and pick up where they left off. In addition, the PS4 system will add to its already robust set of social tools by making it easier than ever to connect gamers together, furthering its position as the best place to play with friends.

"With more than 20 million PlayStation 4 systems worldwide, PlayStation gamers are the foundation for our success. We are constantly listening to feedback from our growing community regarding improvements to make their PlayStation experience even better," said John Koller, vice-president of platforms marketing. "We continue to focus on making PS4 the best place to play with friends. That's why we're delivering features like Facebook Friend Finder, Suspend/Resume to get into gaming quicker, a more streamlined Party and friending process, and new ways for users to see what their friends are playing so they can immediately get in and game together."

Highlights coming to the PS4 system with "Yukimura" include:

Jump Back Into Games Faster with Suspend/Resume*
Suspend/Resume, which will be supported by nearly all PS4 titles, will allow PS4 owners to spend less time waiting for games to load and more time playing. Gamers will be able to suspend their game by putting their PS4 system into Rest Mode, and then quickly resume the game where they left off by pressing the PlayStation button on the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller, which wakes their system.

Back-Up and Restore Hard Disc Drive to External USB Drive
"Yukimura" allows PS4 owners to back-up and restore the hard disc to and from an external USB drive. Hard disc drive data includes settings, saved data, screenshots and video clips as well as games, patches and download data.

Find and Connect with Friends
PS4 owners will now be able to search for Facebook friends with their linked account. Friend requests and Real Name requests can be sent together in one step when adding a friend on the PS4 system. The update will allow users to easily view what their friends are playing by adding a "Friends Who Play This" section on each game detail page, while also highlighting which friends are currently online and playing it. The process to create a Party has also been streamlined with a reduction in the number of steps required. Additionally, the What's New section will now feature a section where users can see what their friends are currently playing enabling them to join in the game if they own it or find out more on PlayStation®Store.

Share Your Earned Trophies and Trophy List Enhancements
PS4 owners have been sharing their most impressive gaming moments since the launch of the system, and with "Yukimura," a screenshot will automatically be captured when a Trophy is earned, making it easy for users to share their favorite gaming moments with their friends. The update will also make it easy for players to share Trophy information to Facebook, Twitter or via Message by pressing the SHARE button. Additionally, users will now be able to sort their Trophy list by "Earned Date," "Not Earned," and "Grade," as well as the option to remove games from the Trophy list that have zero percent completion.

Improved and Expanded Accessibility Options
"Yukimura" introduces new options to customize the user experience with the PS4 system, making it easier for gamers with impaired vision and limited manual dexterity to play. Customized button assignments for DUALSHOCK 4 and a zoom feature for displayed pictures and inverted colors will be available for all system functions, apps and games. Text-to-speech and enlarged text will be available across the graphical user interface, including Message and Party, and enlarged text will also be enabled for use in the system's browser. Bolder fonts and higher contrast UI will be available for all system applications but will not apply to games or third-party applications.

Additional features and updates introduced with "Yukimura" include:

• Remote Play and Share Play**: For games that support 60 fps, users will be able to stream those games with 60 fps for both Remote Play and Share Play on supported devices.
• Automatic Installation for System Software Updates: Users will be able to automatically install future system software updates.
• Sub-Account Upgrade: Users 18 years of age or older with sub-accounts will be able to upgrade to a master account directly on the PS4 system, removing restrictions on chat and enabling users to add funds to their Wallet, purchase content and more.
• Verified Accounts: Verified accounts for game industry professionals, including developers, producers, designers and community managers will appear with a badge.
• Dailymotion.com: Players will have the ability to upload video clips directly to Dailymotion via the SHARE button.

The PlayStation®Vita system and PlayStation App for smartphones and tablets will also receive system software updates with the same timing as "Yukimura," adding complementary features to those added to the PS4 system with the update. PS Vita update version 3.50 and PlayStation App update version 2.50 will add new accessibility options, including enlarge text, increase contrast and more. This update also enables PS Vita systems to support 60 fps streaming for Remote Play**.

For more information, including the full list of features added to the PlayStation 4 system, PlayStation Vita system and PlayStation App, please visit: www.us.playstation.com.  

About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) has revolutionized home entertainment since the first PlayStation® console launched in 1995 in the United States, followed by the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system launch in 2000. SCEA continued to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, PlayStation®Network, PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) handheld entertainment system, and the PlayStation®4 (PS4™) computer entertainment system. Recognized as an undisputed industry leader, SCEA markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for PS3, PS Vita, and PS4 systems in North and South America. Based in San Mateo, California, SCEA serves as headquarters for all North and South American operations.
*Suspend/Resume is not fully supported by some software titles.
**A sufficiently robust wi-fi connection is required.

"PlayStation" and "DUALSHOCK" are registered trademarks and "PS4" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The Sony Computer Entertainment logo is a registered trademark and "SONY" is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

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SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC