Sony's PlayStation 4 could have been a download-only console – but the Japanese electronics manufacturer has decided to stick with discs for the time being.
According to the Wall Street Journal, "people familiar with the matter" revealed that the PS4 will come packing an optical drive (presumably a Blu-ray drive like that found in the PS3).
The Wall Street Journal's source also revealed that the PlayStation 4 will be launching in 2013. Sony declined to comment, but it makes sense given that the PS4's next-gen rival, the Microsoft Xbox 720 (codenamed Durango) is set for a release in November 2013.
The format of choice for the next-gen consoles is the subject of much debate, with earlier rumours suggesting that the Xbox 720 would be ditching discs in favour of download-only. Like the PS4, though, it looks like Redmond's next-gen console will feature an optical drive – the main concern being that internet speeds won't be up to scratch for download-only games.
