VG247

Sony had considered making PS4 a download-only console at one point, but according to sources “familiar with the matter,” the firm decided to go with the tried and true “optical disk drive” model, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The source said Sony decided against a download-only console due to the inconsistency of Internet connectivity across the globe, where the sheer size of game files in some parts would cripple a customer’s ability to download available titles.

Sony plans to release its new console next year, said the source.

According to the source, Microsoft opted for an optical drive in the next Xbox console for the same reason.

A spokesperson for both Sony and Microsoft declined to comment on the rumor to WSJ.

http://www.vg247.com/2012/05/30/report-sony-considered-then-rejected-idea-of-download-only-ps4/

Good.

i hope so. people who saw my connection in the sony cloud gaming agreement thread should understand why i hope so.

Sure, blame it on the "inconsistency of the internet". I'm sure the decision had nothing to do with the fact that Sony's last digital-only console, the PSP Go, was a miserable failure.

This makes total sense in the US. There is so much of this country with unreliable high speed internet, or even no access to high speed internet.

Companies respect the consumers, whoda thunk it?

^Companies respect the $$. If people have a hard time downloading games they may not buy anymore.

Sony probably remembered what happened with the PSP Go.

I'm not even sure Sony will go digital in two gens. They rely a lot on sales in developing countries with low internet penetration.

If Sony still exist by then of course... *crosses fingers*