For a long time Sony was definitively winning the next-generation console wars with its PlayStation 4 against Microsoft's Xbox One. Since the huge PR victory the company scored over its rival at this year's E3 conference. With the company making so many correct decisions, it is strange to think about what some of the alternate roads for the console may have been.
In recent interviews, PlayStation 4's chief designer, Tetsu Sumii, has stated that the original idea for the next-generation console as "totally different" than the product that it ended up unveiling several months ago.
"When we started the product design for PS4, we didn't start by thinking about what the shape would be," Sumii said via IGN. "It was more about how we were going to create a new brand identity through the product."
Unfortunately he wasn't able to elaborate any further on just what he meant by this statement. However, it raises a lot of questions as to exactly what changes the company initially had in mind between the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation 4. What went on the chopping block and will we see those things included someday?
"I think the PlayStation brand image needs to be changed a little bit, as it's a new console, and we have to show what we're pointing towards for the future," he said. "So I thought it should be one of the most smart, cool, and intelligent products from Sony. Not just from Sony Computer Entertainment, but the company as a whole."
Design and simplicity, as well as a pleasing view from each angle were important to the project reports IGN.
"I just wanted to make a simple object for the living room. Sometimes products are a little too exaggerated. It should be simple. That's my thinking," he continued. "I think about the horizontal, not just the vertical. I think about the 360 degree view. The reverse should be beautiful, too."
