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PS4, unboxed (pictures)

The PlayStation 4 is here. Here's what you get in the retail box.

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Matthew_Moskovciak.jpg
Matthew Moskovciak
Covering home audio and video, Matthew Moskovciak helps CNET readers find the best sights and sounds for their home theaters. E-mail Matthew or follow him on Twitter @cnetmoskovciak.
Matthew Moskovciak
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1 of 16 Sarah Tew/CNET

PlayStation 4, unboxed

The PlayStation 4 hits stores in the US on Friday, November 15. When you buy the new console for $399, here's what you're getting in the box.
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DualShock 4

You get one controller in the box, the DualShock 4. It's pretty similar to the controller included with the PS3, but there's a new Share button and a touch-sensitive pad along the top.
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Light Bar

Also new on the DualShock 4 is the light bar, which can be used to give color-sensitive feedback, letting you know if you're low on health, for example.
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Mono headset

The included mono headset can be plugged into the bottom of the DualShock 4 controller.
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Improved ergonomics

Sony claims the DualShock 4 has improved ergonomics, and it definitely feels different in your hand.
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Stereo headset jack

The DualShock 4 headset input itself supports stereo audio. The controller also has a built-in speaker for additional gameplay sounds, a la the Wiimote.
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Better rumble

Sony is also claiming the new controller supports better vibration effects than the last generation.
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Motion sensing

The DualShock 4 also sports six-axis motion sensing.
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Generous accessory pack

Outside of the console itself, there's a healthy set of accessories and cables included. Unlike the PS3, the PS4 does include an HDMI cable, plus a power cable, USB cable, one DualShock 4 controller and mono headset.
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Dual front panel USB ports

The console has two front panel USB ports, which can be used for recharging the controller.
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Remarkably compact

If you remember what a behemoth the original PS3 was, you'll appreciate the PS4's relatively small footprint.
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Trapezoid shape

The PS4 may not be as striking as the PS3, but its layered, trapezoid-like shape gives it a distinctive look.
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Connectivity

No big surprises on the back panel: an HDMI output, Ethernet jack, USB port, and an optical digital audio output.
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Dolby and DTS-friendly

Of course the PS4 is about more than just gaming, which is why it packs both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding for Blu-ray playback.

We'll have more photos to come soon. Check back for our review on Wednesday, November 13.

In the meantime, check out the PS4's lineup of launch titles.

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Deep

While the PS4 is relatively deep, its integrated power supply means you won't have to deal with a chunky power brick.
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Blu-ray support

Like it's predecessor, the PS4 also supports Blu-ray movies.

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