Sony's new PlayStation Now internet streaming service will allow gamers to play PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 4 games online CNET.com reported Tuesday.
Sony is distributing a beta evaluation version this month, and expects to launch the service this summer CNET.com reported. Consumers without a machine will also be able to use the service via televisions, phones, and tablet computers. Sony introduced the service Tuesday during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas CNET reported.
"PS Now will allow users to engage in the world of PlayStation, whether they're existing fans or have never owned a PlayStation platform," Andrew House, CEO at Sony Computer Entertainment told The Los Angeles Times reported.
The service is the third of its kind since OnLive hit the scene in 2010, according to the company's website. Consumers could rent games or play via a subscription fee The Times reported.
"It seems unlikely that a more narrowly focused product like PlayStation Now will succeed where OnLive failed - which was the latter's inability to secure much content," Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Securities told The Times. "The publishers will be reticent to license to Sony without a big guarantee, and I don't know if Sony is willing to commit to any guarantees."
PlayStation's cloud video service will enable users to view television shows, and movies on iPads and smartphones CNET reported. Consumers can also look for on-demand videos, and live TV programming CNET.com reported.
Sony sold over 4.2 million PlayStation 4 game consoles last month CNET reported.
Sony tallied 2.1 million devices Dec. 18, and one million Nov. 18, when it was originally released PC Magazine reported.
Sony's previous game console models are the PSone, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 in various sizes. There is also the Playstation Vita, which users can hold by hand.
