Sony PlayStation 4 Universal Media Remote finally coming this month -- order now

Nowadays, video game consoles are not just about gaming. You can use an Xbox One or PlayStation 4 to watch Blu-ray discs, or stream music and movies too. While this arguably impacts the focus of the machine, it also presents a better value to consumers.  Since the PS4 doubles as a media player, how the heck has Sony not yet released a proper remote control? Many PS4 owners have been clamoring for one.

Well, PlayStation 4 fans, you are finally about to get your wish. Starting now, you can pre-order the official Universal Media Remote. It will ship this month and the price is actually very reasonable. Will you buy it?

"We all love DualShock 4, but sometimes when you’re watching movies, you just want a remote. The good news is now you can, since we’ve worked closely with Performance Designed Products (PDP) on a Universal Media Remote for PlayStation 4 that will let you turn on the system, navigate the UI, and control video content on apps like Netflix or on Blu-rays and DVDs", says Anand Agarwal, Sr. Manager of Platforms Marketing at Sony.

Agarwal also says, "the Universal Media Remote for PS4, which will be available in the U.S., Canada and Mexico when it launches later this month, uses Bluetooth to control PS4 and can also be set up to control up to three additional devices, including a TV, cable box and audio receiver. It also features many of the most important buttons for navigating system menus and entertainment apps on PS4 including the Action buttons (triangle, circle, cross, and square). Like DualShock 4, the remote also features the SHARE, OPTIONS, and PS buttons".

While this sounds wonderful, there is one major caveat -- not all apps will be compatible. With that said, most of the ones that you probably care about the most will work. Sony is promising to expand compatibility over time too. The company shares the working apps below.

• Blu-ray Disc Player
• Crunchyroll
• FUNimation
• HBO GO
• Media Player
• NBA GAME TIME
• Netflix
• NFL Sunday Ticket
• PlayStation Video
• PlayStation Vue
• Twitch
• YouTube

So, how much will this cost? A very acceptable $29.99 (pre-order here). Keep in mind, this offers Bluetooth support for the PlayStation 4, while also having an IR blaster for your cable box, TV and audio equipment. Sony has seemingly done a nice job with the design too, as it looks very ergonomic and feature-full.

Will you buy it? Tell me in the comments.