PlayStation 4 Release Date: Sony Announces Nov. 15 Launch Of Its Next-Gen Console

Sony has announced that its new next-generation gaming console, the PlayStation 4, will be available on November 15 in the U.S. and November 29 in Europe for $399.

The company announced yesterday that it would be unveiling the official release date of the next-generation console at its pre-Gamescom press event today. Several executives and developers took to the stage in Cologne Germany to showcase some of the new features and games that will be available to all PlayStation 4 users in the fall when it is released. In addition, the Sony press conference took some time to explain a few new features about the PlayStation Vita.

There's good news for fans of the handheld gaming system. Sony has announced a price cut for its PS Vita handheld gaming system. The PlayStation Vita will now be available for just $199 in North America. Just as exciting as a price drop for new Vita devices, those who already own a Vita can look forward to an, as of yet undisclosed, price reduction in memory cards for the device. In addition, the company unveiled "Remote Play," which offers users the ability to swap from console play to handheld play for select games seamlessly.

Meanwhile, the company also announced the PlayStation Playroom, a system that uses the PlayStation Move camera to enable users to physically interact with games and features, will be available for free on all PS4 consoles.

PlayStation executive Shahid Ahmad, took to the stage to introduce PlayStation 4's new line of indie games. The next-generation console will offer a slew of lower-quality games from independent developers who have taken it upon themselves to create games that are less about cinematic and franchise benefits and more akin to mobile games that shoot for addictive replay value.

The CEO of Sony also announced good news for PS3 users. The console will be getting a price drop in North America to $199. In addition, all compatible console games will be offered from PS3 to PS4 at a significantly discounted price. This goes along with news from Amazon regarding a similar deal for Xbox One games.