We sat down with PlayStation 4 lead system architect and Knack creative director Mark Cerny today to talk about the impending launch of Sony's next-gen console.

Press play above to learn what Cerny thinks is the PS4's defining feature, how Sony hopes to use it to recover from the PlayStation 3's "rough patch" and what makes this new console cycle different than any other. You'll also learn what's next for Cerny, after his pre-launch responsibilities wind down and the PS4 and Knack ship this week.

The PS4 is set to launch this Friday, Nov. 15. Check out Polygon's continuing coverage of its launch week, which includes interviews, impressions and much more.