There are a number of factors to consider when making any sizable purchase.
And assuming the PlayStation 4 will be viewed by most as a "sizable purchase," what do you think is the most critical element for the new machine?
Many will make it simple- "Just gimme the games I want," they'll say. Ah, but that's wicked subjective and what that translates to for Sony is, "Give the PS4 games that sell." And that means that we'll either need amazing-looking exclusives that are promoted to the death or recognizable franchise names like Uncharted , Gran Turismo , Killzone , etc. But of course, it's more complicated than that.
Price is always a huge issue; is it the biggest issue for most consumers? Or is it more like, "I'll pay a little more if the games kick ass?" Then again, if the system is $600 or more, many simply won't be able to swing it, regardless of software quality. Then there's the question of backwards compatibility, which is always a sticky situation early on during a generation. Sony was right in saying the cry for b/c wanes as a generation moves on (that's only logical), but right off the bat, gamers are gonna have a lot of PS3 titles they'll still want to play. Let's not forget that PS3 games will continue to be made for at least a couple years after the PS4 launches… Furthermore, what about available space in an entertainment center or something like that…?
So what's most important for you? What tops your list? What will Sony have to produce for you to say, "Yes, I'm getting the PS4 on day one"?