Sony Computer Entertainment launched the PlayStation4 in the U.S. and Canada Friday, with enhanced graphic, social and second-screen capabilities.

More than 20 first- and third-party games were available at launch and more than 180 games are currently in development for the new platform.

Among the titles available at launch are “Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag” from Ubisoft Entertainment, “NBA 2K14” from 2K and “FIFA 14” from Electronic Arts. The PS4 system also offers a curated portfolio of entertainment apps that provide access to movies and television shows, specialized content and live sports programming.

With an enhanced graphics processing unit and 8GB of unified system memory, Sony promises a richer visual experience than ever before.

The PS4 system also takes social connectivity into the next level by enabling gamers to immediately share their best gameplay moments with friends. With a press of the "share" button, images and videos can be shared with other players in the activity feed on their PS4's Dynamic Menu or on social sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Players can also broadcast their gameplay in real-time using live Internet streaming services. 

The PS4 system integrates second screens including the PlayStation Vita system, smartphones and tablets, to connect gamers to the PlayStation ecosystem wherever they are. Through Remote Play, gamers can play most PS4 titles on their PS Vita.

A new "PlayStation App" allows iPhone, iPad and Android-based smartphones and tablets to become second screens. Through the app users can, for example, see maps on their second screens when playing an adventure game, purchase a PS4 game while away from home or find and watch shared PS4 gameplay. The “PlayStation App” is now available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

"Today's launch of PS4 represents a milestone for all of us at PlayStation, our partners in the industry, and, most importantly, all of the PlayStation fans who live and breathe gaming every day," says Andrew House, president and group chief executive officer, Sony Computer Entertainment. "With unprecedented power, deep social capabilities and unique second-screen features, PS4 demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering phenomenal play experiences that will shape the world of games for years to come."