When the Masamune (version 2.00) update hits the PlayStation 4 this Tuesday, gamers will have access to a brand new feature titled Share Play. Sony has released a video walkthrough of the feature that you'll see at the head of this post.

The PlayStation Blog has dubbed Share Play a "virtual couch." Gamers will be able to spectate and take over their friend's games from around the world with a solid internet connection. It's a way to share the experience of playing together without physically sitting next to one another. Sessions are limited to a single hour at a time, though you can launch another session as soon as the first expires.

Here's how Sony explains the three main functions.

  • Share Screen — Share your screen with a friend, allowing them to spectate. This is ideal for PS4 owners that want to watch their friends play a game and provide helpful tips. PlayStation Plus is not required to use this.
  • Hand over my controller — Pass your controller to a friend, virtually, and watch them play. Your friend does not need to own, or even download the game, in order to use this feature. This is perfect for introducing your friends to new games. The host will need to be a PlayStation Plus member, but the guest does not.
  • Hand over the second player controller — If a game supports local multiplayer, you can have your friend join as player two. Again, the visitor does not need to own, or download the game in order to use this feature. Both players will need PlayStation Plus to use this feature.

The best bit of news? Share Play isn't hidden behind the PlayStation Plus subscription, so anyone with a PlayStation 4 and an internet connection can make use of this feature.

Pretty nifty.