Sony Pictures is still reeling from what has been described as the most embarrassing and all-encompassing corporate data hack ever to go public. It's a completely different tone in the gaming division, however, as today marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the original PlayStation console.
Interestingly enough, Sony never intended to build a standalone game console; it was actually Nintendo that commissioned Sony to develop a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Nintendo. The deal eventually collapsed at which time Sony decided to try its hand in the console gaming industry - a very wise move in hindsight.
To celebrate the occasion, Sony has created a special 20th Anniversary Edition PlayStation 4 that features the same original grey paint scheme, the familiar four-color PlayStation logo and tiny etchings that have the iconic button symbols found on the controller.
Sony also threw in a "2" as a nod to the anniversary.
Buyers will also receive a matching vertical stand, a DualShock 4 controller with the original 4-color button as well as the same button etchings on the touchpad and a matching PlayStation camera.
The 20th Anniversary Edition PlayStation 4 will be available in extremely limited quantities - they're making just 12,300 globally. Each unit will be numbered which can be found on a small aluminum plate on the top / side of the console.
It'll go up for pre-order starting December 6 in Canada and the US. Sony notes that more information will be provided during the PlayStation Experience keynote that gets under way at 10:00 am Pacific Time on Saturday.
No word yet on how much it'll cost although I suspect console collectors and diehard PlayStation fans will be willing to spend whatever it takes to get their hands on it.