Fergal Gara, head of Sony Computer Entertainment UK, has said that PlayStation 4’s user interface offers a ‘quantum leap’ over the PlayStation 3’s Cross Media Bar.
Speaking with DigitalSpy, Gara said that the XMB seen in Sony’s current-generation console lacks contemporary appeal, whereas PS4’s offering is slick and intuitive.
"My personal view is that the Cross Media Bar has well outlived its… it doesn’t look new, fresh, contemporary any more,” said Gara.
"It’s not really up to the demands of, particularly, the vision of the PS4, and therefore showing we have absolutely made a quantum leap in terms of our user interface and those design principles of PS4, and demonstrating them live on stage last night, for me, that was a really, really exciting way to start the show.
"Immediate jumping in and out of games, initiating multiplayer sessions, seeing what your friends are up to – all of that felt slick, quick and intuitive."
Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida took to the stage at Gamescom Tuesday evening to offer a live demonstration of the PS4 user interface.
The company also used the press conference to confirm the machine will launch in the U.S. on November 15 and November 29 in Europe.