Reports are flowing in about the likelihood of Sony’s next generation PlayStation gaming console to be codenamed the ‘Orbis’. In fact, we might see Sony dropping the legendary “PS” brand name altogether with this next generation console.
The Orbis is rumored to support resolutions of up to 4096*2160 and would be able to play 3D games in full HD resolution. What however might not be welcome is Sony’s decision to render second hand games useless by restricting access. Sony would only allow games to played using new discs or as downloads from the PlayStation Network. The discs, once used would be locked to one hardware and would not be playable even on other Orbis consoles!
So, in case you and your friend have the same consoles, you two would not be able to go over to each other’s place and exchange games! Sony (and game makers) could however offer an option for users to play a demo version of the game once an invalid disc, meant for another console is inserted in to the Orbis. Maybe even offer an option to purchase it online
Anyway, let us remind you that at this point in time all these are mere rumors. But then, the move to restrict second hand gaming might be an agenda that would be in the minds of the head honchos of all gaming console makers. This might also sound as music for most game makers who would always want people to buy more copies of their games.
Sony might launch the Orbis sometime in the holiday season of 2013 – that is well over a year and half from now. But then, we might see early developer targeted machines to arrive by the end of 2012.
