PlayStation 4 launches tonight at midnight, reviews from around the web

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Today is the day — the next generation of console gaming is upon us — now that the reviews are in, will you be lining up tonight at midnight to pick up your PS4 pre-order or to try to buy one off the shelf? Or is it the Xbox One you have your eye one?

For those looking to get on-board ahead of Black Friday, we have put together some of the most insightful reviews of Sony’s new hardware from around the net, along with some helpful information regarding which retailers will be open tonight for the midnight launch below…

As for midnight launches, Best Buy and Walmart have already both stated that there will be extra units available in store tonight as well come Black Friday, but pre-ordering where possible is likely your best bet. Other retailers open tonight include: GameStop,  Meijer, and Sony Stores

For those planning to hit up Best Buy tonight, here is a statement from the company regarding how sales will go down this evening:

…The company “will create two separate lines: one for pre-order customers and one for customers looking to purchase a console from the available limited quantities. Some stores may need to operate differently; however, all of our stores will be utilizing signage to manage their lines along with employee assistance to ensure everyone is aware of the process throughout the day. Stores will begin processing pre-order customers prior to processing any customers looking to purchase a console.”

For those who pre-ordered at Best Buy, the company will require you to bring along government-issued photo ID, the credit or debit card used to purchase the PS4, and the Best Buy order number.

NOTE: Sony suggests that those looking to grab a unit at Walmart call ahead of time. Here are some quick links to each of the retailers opening tonight and how to find the closest outlet to you:

GameStop  /  Best Buy  /  Walmart  /  Meijer  /  Sony Stores

Generally speaking, reviews of the PS4 have been moderately good, most outlets are deciding against a numbered score system, in favor of general thoughts on the experience of the new box. One trending thought throughout the reviews seem to be that there is a lack of exciting titles for the PS4 at launch, and that it will take some time before the game library gets to a compelling point.

Kotaku‘s Stephen Totillo said, “The PS4 seems like it’ll be a hell of a console, but it’s mostly potential and a bunch of new tools in need of some awesome games for them to work on.”  Polygon felt very similar saying, “The PlayStation 4’s focus on gaming — and only gaming — is undermined by a distinct lack of compelling software.”

Having said that, there are many cross generational titles available for Sony’s new black box at launch like AC IV, Ghosts and Battlefield 4 that are seeming to impress those who have gone hands on. Gizmodo said, “It goes without saying—but I’ll say it anyway—that the graphics and performance on this sucker are badass…”

Another thing reviewers can all agree on is the vastly improved DualShock 4 controller. Polygon says “the PS4 comes with the DualShock 4, inarguably the best controller Sony’s ever made.”Although the touchpad, has been received with underwhelming response, the updated analog sticks and triggers are a major improvement over the DualShock 3. Shacknews says its a “terrific controller” and CNET felt the same way saying the console “boasts a fantastic controller.”

In the end, the consensus is pretty clear — this is a machine for those who simply must have a next gen console — those who might be even a little bit more casual with their gaming, might be better off with the current gen system they have now. However, that consensus might not be as easy to come to when some of the newer blockbuster titles start dropping early next year.

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