There's probably no denying it now: an upgraded PlayStation 4 console exists. Whether it actually makes it to market is up for debate, but in addition to Kotaku and Eurogamer's well-sourced reports, The Wall Street Journal has thrown its hat into the ring, stating that Sony is working on an upgraded iteration of its flagship format that will enable "higher-end gaming experiences".
The site claims that this upgraded hardware will boast "better graphics and power", but will live alongside the existing system – games will work on both, apparently. "Existing PS4 owners would need to buy the new model to take full advantage of the enhanced graphics and power," it claims, clarifying that both models would still share the same software catalogue.
As other reports have claimed, sources are referring to the unit as the PlayStation 4K, which will be reflected by its ability to output games in Ultra High-Definition. It's unlikely that it will natively render games at this resolution as that would require an outrageous amount of processing power, but it may include a nifty upscaler that would make 1080p look much more palatable in 4K.
Allegedly, should it go ahead with the console, the platform holder plans to announce it prior to the release of PlayStation VR in October, which would make an E3 or (more likely) Gamescom reveal possible. The manufacturer's still yet to comment on these rumours, but we have to imagine that it will make a statement soon – the reports could seriously damage current hardware sales, after all.
[source wsj.com, via gamespot.com]
Comments 111
Wow so this thing is all but official now.
And I'm just gona ignore all this news confirming it and after the official confirmation I'm still gona be in denial :/
@WebHead Too much smoke now, for sure. The remaining questions are: what actually is it? And will Sony decide to bring it to market, or is it just a concept they're kicking around?
I'm definitely intrigued by the idea they got going on here. I just hope SONY will be cool and let current PS4 owners trade in their existing console for credit towards the newer model.
I don't own a 4k TV yet, but I'm very excited for UHD blurays. One thing that holds me back from upgrading to a 4k display is how expensive UHD supported displays are right now and the fact that I'd have to purchase another standalone bluray player.
If this PS4.5 offered UHD playback (i'm assuming that's a no brainer), a 4k upscaler (would have to be good), Bluetooth 4.1 with better device support, better audio processing (maybe I'm just crazy, but games/music on my PS3 seem to sound way better than PS4), and maybe tech similar to VR that allows smoother appearing framerates on non VR games.
I don't think that's a ton to ask for nor do I think it would it should cost all that much. Some of the upscalers and that framerate mumbo jumbo might cost more than I think, but I'd consider 'upgrading' mine for $400 or less. $300 would be a nobrainer.
If it's a better GPU, I am skeptical that it won't cause issues with games that don't lock FPS but tie game physics to framerate.
@DG42Velka That would be a retailer specific initiative. Get ready to see millions of PS4's flood into Gamestop's inventory or whatever retailer decides to "trade" them.
i really hate this idea of mid life upgrade.. Sony's getting cocky if they really pull this sh*t!
Language - get2sammyb
This is like a "New" 3DS. I think it's great that there's an option for consoles to now get a boost of power & performance mid life cycle. For those that want that extra ooomph in their games this is an option, if you're happy with what you got then you'll be Ok as well as nobody is forcing you to upgrade.
I hardly doubt it will effect sales because the majority of the audience don't read sites like this or even the wall Street journal. The console has took on a snowball effect that it's hard to stop now. I still think it's right that Sony have this prepped because Microsoft will no doubt make their own because they will be desperate for anything at this point but to have mid generation upgrades is too big of a risk because people expect to buy a box for no more then £350 that will play most games for up to 7 years and changing that is a mistake.
@adf86 I'm pretty sure Phil's Spencer alluded to a mid cycle replacement for the Xbox One weeks ago. He didn't flat out say so but one of his recent speeches you can definitely get the sense that they're working on this as well.
@adf86 You'd be surprised. I was speaking to someone at the weekend who mentioned a "new" PS4 to me. People may not understand the full extent of what's happening — to be fair, it's not like we do either — but this stuff does filter out into the mainstream market.
The possibility that a newer, more powerful PS4 may be coming is not difficult to grasp. And the rumour alone may prompt some people to postpone their current PS4 purchase.
Difference being, that the slim versions of PS2 and PS3 weren't enhanced in power, only the size changed and in PS3's case, the HDD. Now however, it'd be stupid to release another console that is more powerful than the current PS4, it will split the fanbase. Not only that, but if I am to buy a new console every 3 years, that defeats the purpose of owning a console and everyone should move to PC.
I hope this new PS4 is only smaller in size and the only differences are a new HDD and that it can play movies in native 4k or something (if you have the appropriate TV).
It's all rumour and speculation at the moment, but if they do decide to do a mid generation upgrade like this then it'll make me seriously question whether or not I should just go back to PC gaming. Games are cheaper, look better.. The disadvantage is the constantly bi yearly upgrades required but if that's the way consoles will go then I see no real advantage of sticking with the likes of Sony.
I also think the people that frequent gaming websites already have a PS4, so I don't see this affecting sales too much.
I won't be buying a PS4K as I'm perfectly happy with my PS4.
As long as PS4 & PS4K, have the exact same games catalogue (including VR) I'm happy.
I would not upgrade to the 4.5 just for the fact I do not have a 4k TV. But if I did then would make the leap. Supporting 4k playback on movies makes them so much better.
To be honest I expected this to happen, and I'm quite happy, Sony is a caterer of high end products and there is no way they would have their PSVR at the bottom of the pile. It was obvious from the start that the PS4 would not be able to fully harness the VR head set. So I thought it would either be an add on or a new system. I don't see why people are so bothered though, people don't have to invest in it in less they won't better graphics everything will still be backwards compatible so I don't see the issue.
Why are people against the option to upgrade? It's not like you still cant keep and enjoy your ps4.
@Dreamcaster-X That's why Microsoft will more then likely go ahead with it because they could gain more from it but both companies have the problem of telling their loyal customers that the console they bought two ago is now the inferior version. @get2sammyb Maybe but chances are the people that buy a console and do their research probably bought one anyway.
@BUDsclass201 Because the console business wasn't built on having upgrades to the systems every few years, it asks too much of the customers. That's the problem Sega had, they had the Mega Drive but they released the Sega CD and 32x add ons which by the time the Saturn was out people didn't know the Saturn was a new console and were sick of Sega asking their loyal customers for their money. Sony have PSVR coming and that should be enough till PS5.
I don't see the problem to be honest. If both consoles share the same software library. It's nice the option is there to upgrade because the PS4 is under powered. I would probably buy one. It could also work out well for Sony if the discount the original ps4 hardware.
This just doesn't feel right to me you're dividing your userbase and making 3rd parties double their testing requirements. Its the kind of thing Nintendo does.
The only way this makes sense is if they add the vr processing box into the main unit. You would then technically have more processing power and its a 4k bluray anyway. Thats seems to me to be the smart move and still aligns with the leaks.
My opinion is that there is a way to pull this off, but it's not going to be easy. Basically, if this is real, Sony better have some big bonuses lined up for their marketing team, because between this and PlayStation VR, they're really going to have to earn their crust this year.
@Cron_13 I'm sure it's been confirmed
Having said that, I would consider getting it IF and only IF there is a compelling trade in programme. Also it can't come out this year, Sony can't realisticly ask people to buy a new PS4 and VR in the same year, even 6 months after because the majority of ghe console audience are not interested in the latest tech at high end prices.
If it lets me play all my current software or transfer my 2tb drive across, i'll entertain it.
My main concern is splitting the user base. Yes i'm sure games can "do a pc" and have settings based on each bit of hardware, but it wont be long before a company decides to release only on PS4.5 as opposed to both. That would look inevitable with the way the big companies want to be first to everything and hoover up cash regardless of the gamer.
Won't be upgrading unless I get my hands of a 4k tv. Then I might consider it. What this tells me is that when PS5 comes out, I can wait 2-5 years before hopping into the next generation and get the PS5.5.
Pretty sure it will be a PS4 that can render blu rays at 4k, and ill gladly buy that, as much as my ps4 doesnt get enough attention, having 4k content for my TV would be a godsend
And yeah, i doubt it would be able to run 4k resolutions, even at the lowest settings you need something like a 980ti to run a game like The Division at 35 fps in medium settings.
@get2sammyb Is that you narrating the vid? I just can't match up that Johnny Rotten pic of you I've been looking at for a half dozen years with that BBC newscast voice. I try, but I can't. Do you normally talk like that hanging out w/ your mates at the pub or are you acting and reading a script?
anyway....
How is a PS4k any different at dividing the PS4 user base than PSVR? Supposedly 50 games are in the works for PSVR, don't those 50 games already divide the PS4 base between those who spend $400 on PSVR and those who don't? Isn't Sony already asking PS4 owners to UPGRADE to $400 PSVR to play a subset of PS4 games? If so many people are pre-ordering $500 PSVR bundles, why shouldn't Sony think people won't spend $400 for PS4k?
And why do people keep saying "upgrade"? You don't have to upgrade if the old model PS4 keeps playing all the PS4 games. Hardware does NOT divide the base - software divides the base. If many of the PSVR games work w/o the headset - I'd bet No Man's Sky, Dreams and Gran Turismo work both w/ and w/o PSVR - well if PS4k games work, then the user base isn't split.
Also, by the time Sony releases PS4k they will have already sold probably 50mil PS4. They probably want to sell more PS4. 2 ways to do that, lower the price, or add more hardware for the same price. My guess is PS4k is Sony's way of making money on PS4 by adding to PS4k.
Though that does raise the question - is PS4k a replacement or an addition? Nintendo has New 3DS, but in the US they also have old 2DS, and US never got New 3DS except in a few bundles, only New 3DS XL. And Japan only recently got 2DS but they are still selling the older models.
So, is PS4k a more expensive model, maybe $400 while old PS4 goes to $300 MSRP? As a reminder, PS3 sold 2 models at launch, $500 and $600. (Nintendo Wii U also had 2 models at launch, $300 and $350.) So is PS4k a new replacement model to entice people who haven't purchased a PS4 yet, or is it an additional high end model to get people to upgrade? I think it can go either way. Remember all those Xbox 360 names - "Core" and "Arcade" sold alongside "Pro" and "Elite". $300 PS4 may sell alonsgside $400 PS4k.
Oh, and for everybody who keeps saying 4k tvs are too expensive, well they really aren't. I bought my 52" 1080p TV 5 years ago for $1800. I bought my 32" 720p NON-HDMI tv for $800 8 years ago. Sony was (trying to) sell it's 24" 3D display a few years ago for $500.
Here are about 20 4k UHD tvs in the US for under $500 - the price of the PSVR pre-order bundle.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#tbm=shop&q=4k%20uhd%20tv&tbs=vw%3Al%2Cmr%3A1%2Ccat%3A404%2Cpdtr0%3A741960%7C869344%2Cprice%3A1%2Cppr_min%3A%2Cppr_max%3A500
@AlexKidd You can keep playing on your old PS4 if its true and the same games as well. So i think if it works like that i wouldn't mind.
Will final fantasy 15 come out on the ps4.5?
@rjejr Are you really telling me that $500 isnt expensive ? especially when 4k content its pretty much non existant ?
Good 4k TVs are expensive, there are base models which are pretty "bad", color reproduction, etc... being "not so good". Are you trying to make people buy bad TVs ? most of those TVs are pretty basic and not worth it, you could get much much better 1080p TV for the same price, resolution isnt everything, theres the type of panel, the color of the screen, the extra HDMI/DP slots, etc...
PS4k, 4k TV, etc... its A LOT of money.
Time to consider PC gaming for next generation on....
I still think an upgrade-able PS4 would be my personal choice over a more powerful console. If they were to sell a base model that performed as the PS4 already does, but allow for further manual upgrades to increase power and graphical performance I'd be on that in a heartbeat. I prefer to play most games on my PS4 over the PC, but I enjoy taking apart my PC and turning it into a powerhouse.
@Faruko "Are you really telling me that $500 isnt expensive"
Compared to a $350 PS4 and a $500 PSVR bundle, no 4k tvs are not that expensive. And compared to $500 for Sony's 24" 3D display a few years ago some 4k tvs are downright cheap.
Yes, $500 is a lot of money for a lot of people - heck I still don't even have a PS4 - but for people spending $400 on a PS4 and $60 each for games and $50 per year for PS+ and $50 for DLC for some games and $500 for a PSVR pre-order bundle, those people should not be saying 4k tvs are too expensive to buy.
... just release a 32X for the system, why don'tcha
Playstation VR is 1080p, but some new PlayStation 4.5 is 4K? What a freaking nightmare Sony needs to do some damage control and fast. I don't want to buy a new 4K TV and a New PS4.5 console and a 1080p VR unit! My 1080 55" plasma looks great my cable offers HD content. I have zero reason to toss out hard earned cash for 4K.
Hmmmm i was under the impression that psvr handled some stuff so as to lighten the load and kind of boost the power on ps4(almost like psvr being a separate console) or did sony ditch that part of the design so as to bring the ps4k to market at some point?
Hmmmm i was under the impression that psvr handled some stuff so as to lighten the load and kind of boost the power on ps4(almost like psvr being a separate console) or did sony ditch that part of the design so as to bring the ps4k to market at some point?
Wouldn't this undermine all the success they've been having? This is a terrible move if it's true.
@get2sammyb Playstation VR is 1080p This upgraded PS4 keeps hinting at 4K Why wasn't PSVR 4K Are they outdating current PS4's and PSVR before it even gets released???
Well I'm planning to get a 4k TV in s few months so why not
@teknium_ It doesn't process any graphics information for the game, it's strictly for the headsets tracking & refresh rate.
I'm so sick of 4K mumbo jumbo. Devs struggle to deliver the 60fps/1080p and seriously for a TV set in a living room, that's plenty sharp to game on. As already stated even if the "PS4K" will output 4K it's likely limited to Bluray functionality and upscaling to maybe reduce ugly artifacts. Although it's pretty useless anyways since all 4K TVs have an more than adequate upscaler built in.
I wonder what impact this will have on initial sales of the PS5, whenever that may / does happen? Will people be so quick to buy "day 1" or hang back a year or so and see what new, improved version may appear.
The knowledge that your console purchase "future proofed" your gaming needs for 5+ years is a key factor for me and would make me think twice in the future.
I would definitely get one at launch, not for 4k as that is no use to me at the moment but for VR. I've already got my PSVR pre-ordered and the benefits of more powerful hardware are huge for such a platform. As long as games don't become exclusive to it then I don't see an issue and I doubt it'll affect sales and let's be honest it didn't do the 3ds any harm
As I've stated before, so long as it doesn't split the generation and is instead just an upgraded ps4 with more eye candy I'm all for it. I actually hoped that with the introduction of pc architecture into this gen, this would happen on the assumption that there would be no games/feature that wasn't on either one, but instead would just give those of us who want to upgrade early the option to do so for more eye candy, higher resolution. I fail to see why this is an issue in this case, no one with a ps4 would be left behind, it's not like the differences would cause the ps4 version to be made by a port developer, like pc each disc would have the option of 2 settings depending on which console it was placed in. You could seamlessly use the same disc for ps4 as you would use in ps4k, could still play with the other console, even using shareplay. Sure the end of the generation could get murkey, but a simple "playable on ps4, optimized for ps4k" sticker on all games would easily clear up any confusion.
@Dreamcaster-X im sure i read somewhere about psvr also handling some of the graphics and stuff...was ages ago so it was probably just speculation
@JohnKarnes Not at all. Even the most advanced PC graphics card struggles to run games at native 4K, so there's no chance of PSVR running games in 4K at the required framerate for VR. There's nothing to worry about on that front at all.
The breakout box for PlayStation VR is a fancy image splitter by the way. It doesn't really boost the specs of the PS4; it's used to split the image so that you get 1080p output on your TV and 1080p output in the headset.
Oh look a system I could only use in university on our 4k TVs. Pretty sure this will be the only model to have external HDD support because of extra power. Oh and folders.
And the price will be a lie. You'll need a peripheral sony cast out to die and forgot to use it.
@neolit bro, Nintendo and PC. Best of both worlds. I know the N3DS did this but that was more than a "It looks prettier" because it has better 3D, amiibo support and a control scheme update plus cover plates. And it was only £150. This is...buy a 4k TV and see how it goes when buying a more expensive PS4. That's upwards of £1000 alone.
Tbh I think I let people convince me into a PS4 too soon. Right before the price drop, this peripheral crap with VR, PS+ being okay not great, and with Ratchet and Clank being none existent with a release date of the 22nd now, I'm getting rather fed up with the way Sony is handling things. Also still waiting for the PS ONE megaman titles since they are £60 and above here because lol it never got a re-release.
I'm easily putting cash down for the NX and I don't even know what it is. Sony is just burning me out this gen.
I'm assuming the console will only be able to upscale a game or video, rather than have games made in 4k specifically to it. This would prevent them from splitting the fan-base...I hope at least.
@Scollurio or they could use the extra power to maintain a constant 1080p/60 fps instead of 4k
@BUDSclass201 Problem is that most games have Frames hard coded into the game, with vsync and other stuff i dont really get, so more power would only being wasted, unless they are specifically optimized for the new hardware. (Look at the New 3DS, when it recognize its running a game made for the normal 3DS, it scales back the CPU power to its original value)
And im not sure companies would put extra money just to optimize the same game twice.
A point that was not raised here is the PlayStation Developer Kit. If these kits don't change, there are no reasons that the classic PS4 will not be able to run games as done today.
If this is just about being able to display in 4K maybe some faster load times, then I am nonplussed but if its going to effect VR quality I will be a little upset and probably cancel my pre-order. I like gadgets so tend to be an early adopter but don't like feeling like I am punished for doing so.
@AlexKidd had a strong hunch an the idea of an upgrade would be visited, examining the PS4 pre-launchmade me think (this stuff is pretty weak) with the advancement of Gaming PC's and mobile phones PEOPLE would notice the graphical difference.
@grawlog and basically you're right. Consoles are struggling to keep up with tech on the hardware and software front, if you look at the state of the PS4 software versus mobile phones vs PC's.
Overall, it's easy to see that consoles are doing well mostly based on easy of access, loyalty, but just my opinion.
@Faruko I think you meant power would be saved not wasted. better graphics w/ less demanding games saves power, but I get your point about the frame rate, and the 3DS example.
@rjejr Johnny Rotten - bloody hell! You haven't been keeping up with the YouTube channel, have you?
This is me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TzT1rwA74o
The only thing that will upset me about this is if they come out before launch of the psvr and tell us we need the ps4k for full psvr capability. Especially since they are selling psvr on the idea that the ps4 we have now is enough. I have my camera and my two move controllers and am definitely getting a psvr headset but would hate if I only get to use it in a limited manner unless I upgrade to the NEW ps4. For me psvr is far more Interesting than a new ps4 with slightly better graphics and needs a 4ktv to truly do it justice. Then I will have to buy a 4ktv as well.
@sonofyama this exactly
Why are people banging on about 4k tv's? Playing games in 4k on this upgraded console and bluray is just a bonus, obviously they are bringing out a more powerful console to support their PSVR as it's obvious the current PS4 can't handle what the PSVR is capable of throwing at it. Sony arn't going to settle for a mediocre VR headset when their ethos is premium hardware.
If you ain't getting a PSVR you ain't going to need this new console and what's the point of moaning as it will be backwards compatible anyway so there will be no fragmentation of any market.. The software will be the same it's only a hardware upgrade guys.
I hope this isn't true as they have barely gotten much of the "current" ps4 as It is, not saying graphics are everything but until recently I haven't seen anything really that couldn't have been done on a ps3. Don't get me wrong I'm having loads of fun with my ps4 but I don't really want to fork out another 300 quid just so I can play a bunch of vr games.
@BUDSclass201
I'm all for that, yes!
What's the big deal anyway? It's most likely a 4k media ready version. There aren't going to be any 4k native exclusive games. It's for higher income customers who have/want 4ktvs and high speed internet.
I'm miffed because I already own a PS4. Yeah. Deal with it. Then again I don't own a 4K TV either and wont until they are 200-300 bucks. Then agaaaaaaaain aren't they struggling to even play in "current" resolution? Or was that just on Xbax, I dunno. Some SHMUCK told me 4K TVs are ONLY 700-1000 bucks. ONLY. DID YOU HEAR IT PEOPLE? ONLY 1000 bucks! GREAT. Oh wait, I don't even earn 1000 on one month. Whoops. I'm not 40 with a high paying job like some other people are.
The trouble is with consoles people want the best graphics etc but are not willing to pay for it, the PS3 is a good example of this. So Sony are forced to release what they have with the PS4 which is already outdated, & use off the shelf PC parts. Five years frozen in time is a long time for a console, while everything else advances. I don't see a problem with Sony releasing a more up to date console which can handle 1080p 60fps & 4K for movies etc, the original PS4 will still get the same games just at a lower frame rate 30fps & graphical effect's. If some people are happy with there current PS4, they have no reason to upgrade it's not like they are being forced too.
@get2sammyb Do you think that they will have all the best psvr games exclusive to the ps4k? I am worried that you won't get the real vr experience unless you upgrade to the better ps4 as well. I hope not because I already have my camera, move controllers, and a vr headset preordered, but I am not currently in the market for a 4k tv. (My brava runs GREAT). I guess I am worried that it won't be good unless you use the ps4k with the psvr.
The best of both worlds. Introduce a more powerful PS4, lower the price of the old PS4, sell more units, increase user base at the top and bottom end! Early adopters trade in there old machines to buy a new machines making used PS4
cheap to buy for those who want a deal. Have your cake and eat it to!
@rjejr
A Johhny Rotten he isn't: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EPT_dhOiwRY
This just happened...
I guess I better start saving then! Would rather have this console (if true) than PSVR!
@Majic12 That's not going to happen, whatever comes out for the PSVR will work on PS4 and the 4.5 they will NOT fragment their market. The only difference will be better frame rates etc.. I can assure you the PSVR will be a great experience on both devices its just the PSVR will be better on a 4.5 due to its increased hardware.
I have my PSVR preordered and can't wait to play it on my PS4. 😆 You won't need a 4k TV either in less you want to watch 4k dvds which I really dont care for. No way will any game run at 4k unless they are working on a 16gig graphics card they could sell for a couple of hundred bucks lol
@Boerewors I'm sending you all of my psychiatry bills.
Any chance you could delete that link before Sammy has to go into hiding? I'm concerned for the well being of Pushsquare if too many people see that.
I do think it's funny he's wearing the same shirt though, but not funny enough anybody else should watch it.
@get2sammyb Holy cr@p that's you? I thought this was you -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPT_dhOiwRY
and there's no way in heck that's the same person.
@rjejr They are... Just 10 years of writing about video games in between.
@get2sammyb Honestly though, you do kind of look like Johnny Rotten. And sound like him more there than today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCgbRS2LrHY
@rjejr
What you're feeling now is a simple case of some good old fashioned jeaulousy
They should really just concentrate on the PS5. I think everyone has accepted that this gem won't be as long as the last one, so they should just work on getting the PS5 done for 2019/2020.
@rjejr I sound nothing like Johnny Rotten! You need to work on your different English accents:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyyT2jmVPAk
@Boerewors As you can probably imagine, my high school pop career was incredibly short lived.
Anyway, we're completely going off topic...
I would get one and give my current one to my Dad. Win win...
@get2sammyb "Anyway, we're completely going off topic..."
I was going to ask you if Ramsey was off today, I guess that's a yes.
OK, I'm going to go watch your PS vid now, and forget I ever saw that other one. I did subscribe to both just in case you ever start singing again.
@rjejr I don't think there's any danger of that.
@get2sammyb
Way to own it! The internet doesn't forget anyway, no matter how bad we all would like it to
OT: I've been a very vocal supporter of the PS4.5, way before we even called it PS4.5 or PS4k, but it's not entirely selfish. Where everyone thinks Sony is shooting itself in the foot with this, I reckon both MS and they realize that home console gaming isn't a growing market and with software sales down year over year things need to happen. Not only will Sony have to make money of VR headsets (you think those will launch with 7/8 years in between?), hardware is a great way to do it too as the last 2 years have shown.
So where is the non selfish part, cause it still looks like daddy want some new toys more than anything. There is a way to make the console market grow, but it's clearly not in the first world (nor second); if Sony with the power of its PS brand manages to sell us $400 PS4.5s, 3rd world countries will have a treshold that will be much lower because the price of units can drop way faster. So not only families who don't game or people on tight budgets in the west can enjoy a cheaper PS4 base model, about 80% of the world's population might.
People in the West take gaming for granted or simply figure that we in 3rd world countries have other things to worry about, and although this is partly true, people don't understand how important gaming is in lots of upcoming nations; I've seen people literally trade in their cars for PlayStations, so if these people can play all the games we can, but just in a slightly lower res, than it would most certainly stop a lot of them from pouring the little money they have in mobile gaming.
Gamers better adapt to the new reality, cause else there won't be any console gaming left in the near future. Making home console "experiences" is extremely expensive and risky and console gaming is lagging behind PC gaming by a bit and behind Mobile gaming by light years. Kids who go to high school now don't game on home or handheld consoles anymore, they spend their $60 a month (or more) on mobile games and find us old fashioned. Keeping up with tech and trends and offering a lower level of entry are 2 smart ways of making console gaming relevant again. For you lot claiming we're just doing fine btw, don't let the interpretation of sales numbers by PR spin doctors fool ya: the market isn't growing at all, and to stand still (or even shrink) is to lose in these times.
@get2sammyb "different English accents:"
That was hilarious, thanks. (And now I'm looking forward to falling in love w/ Amy Pond even more. Eve Myles is a beauty too.) You did a lovely RP today, but I have no idea what Saturday was, but it did seem much more natural, like Alex on NL. you should watch some of his, he's a natural in front of the camera. Just don't go dieing your hair all blue like DIamond Minecart, he's scaring my poor kids.
OK, I'm really done now, I'm going to go pre-order a PS4.5 so all the people with the old PS4 can be jealous of me.
@Boerewors TL;DR but I did like the part about 3rd world countries.
PS4k for the best of us, PS4 for the rest of us.
PS4k isn't an upgrade as much as PS4 is a downgrade.
@rjejr
That's pretty much the idea. Stop producing PS4s for your parts of the world and just clear stock, the 2nd hand market will account for an even distrubution of the base models amongst the less wealthy and people who don't care. Sony makes money of off software sold, so they don't mind a lively 2nd hand market. As long as the PS4.5 isn't more expensive than $399 and the old model is phased out at $349 in the west (make it attractive to go more expensive), they can sell the base models in Africa, China and South America for $199- $249.
@Dreamcaster-X
I'm inclined to agree. More options are always good. I supported the New 3DS and have no issues with a new PS4.
With that said, 3DS was in the market for 4 years before they released an iteration boasting more power. PS4 will have been in the market 3 years. But the hing is, Nintendo generations usually only last 5-6 years (4 in the case of Wii U), while PS3 lasted a whopping 8 years. So New 3DS released at the end of its generation while this would be releasing less than half ways into the PS4 lifespan.
And therein lies the difference. I do think it's a little soon for this. But I suspect it's going to be needed for most VR games to not run like crap. They just haven't dropped that bombshell on us yet.
Soooo what the hell we supposed to do with out current ps4's??? I tell ya, between this and that Playstation now rental crap the Microsoft camp looking better and better as time goes by!! Idk Sony!! Here's hoping I don't have to do anything at all!!
So I wonder if Hyrule Warriors Legends is a bit of a foreshadowing of what AAA devs will do with multiplats - meaning they're optimized on PS4.5/XB1.5/NX (assuming NX is on par with them), but optimized poorly on PS4/XB1.
If so, it'll get people to cave in and upgrade eventually.
@joey302 Nothing would really change both would still play the same game's
@joey302 Did you even read the article?
I wonder if it will get an E3 reveal or will they just spring it on us so to not affect sales.
I wonder if it will get an E3 reveal or will they just spring it on us so to not affect sales.
@DopeSamurai read it. So if I don't swap it out for an upgrade console what will we be missing out on? Cause it reads to me like we will be missing out and if you read the many other comments here, I'm not the only one getting this impression! Thx
After all the good work they have done getting people to purchase a PS4 that will all be undone by releasing a newer more powerful PS4 mid cycle. While a few people will purchase it, I won't be one. Once Uncharted 4 and Horizon Zero Dawn are finished with I will sell my PS4 and go over to PC.
Sony releasing a newer more powerful PS4 so early on could seriously damage future console sales.
Why would someone spend £350 on a PS4 and another £350 on the PSVR and ANOTHER £350 on a newer PS4 because the old one isn't powerful enough for VR and or 1080p 60fps.
I think the sales of the PS4 have gone to their heads. If this is true I will have lost all respect for them and so will millions of others.
We could have another Sega situation all over again and if so, it serves Sony right.
@thatguyEZ If they release the PS5 in 2019/20 that would give the PS4 another 3/4 of life which by then it would be way to outdated. VR would be pointless too. They should release the PS5 around 2017/18 at the latest.
@WARDIE That's true, I was just going by a five year lifespan that a lot of consoles have had. I really think they need to ditch this whole PS4K thing and just concentrate on the 5. They've done so good this gen, but releasing a more powerful PS4 would seriously set them back quite a bit.
@thatguyEZ I totally agree. The PS4 will be 3 years old this year so Sony should just wait 2 more years and release the PS5 which they could insure is way more future proof.
If they do release an PS4.5 I will lose total faith in them. They've already nearly lost me with ho they treated the Vita.
Nearly 40 million people have purchased a PS4 but will now feel that their new console is already outdated (which it is in PC terms) when compared to other consoles. Its very unfair of Sony to expect those people to spend another £350 if they want to enjoy PSVR properly which is another £350 for that device too.
It's the current trend and smart. All tablets and smartphones upgrade every year but that doesn't stop the consumer from holding back from purchasing a new one every 2-3years. The old days of realising a new console every 7-10 years is a stifling old tech idea. Keeping up with agile PC upgrades or smart devices would allow Sony to even the battleground. New consumers can still be wowed and early adopters like myself would benefit from more powerful tech, which would enhance my gaming visually. Better and higher frame rate... who doesn't enjoy that extra delicious power under the hood? Also only a small cost. Eg. I sold my old 3ds xl for £100 and bought a new 3ds xl for £150. I'd be happy to sell my current ps4 for£220 and upgrade to newer ps4k for an extra £100.
@WARDIE For sure, one only need to look at the New 3DS sales figures to see this isn't a worthwhile endeavor. I'd agree that it really isn't pretty f'd how Sony treated the Vita. I'm really glad 3rd parties are still behind it, especially the Japanese ones.
But yeah, I don't think they'll actually do this as it would be beyond dumb. Instead of doing this they should either really beef up the PS5 so it'll be able to hang on much longer, or just go with 5ish year console cycles and while the consoles wouldn't be like 10ish years proof but they would be cheaper to account for the shorter generations. Imo, $350-400 for a 5-6 year life cycle isn't bad.
@DG42Velka good idea, but, I don't think it would never happen
@get2sammyb It's been 23 hours, isn't it time for a new PS4.5 article?
@crazykcarter I was holding off on a PS4 for Uncharted 4 as well, and then they announced a $400 bundle that only has a 500GB HDD in the US. If I wanted to spend $400 for a 500GB PS4 I would have bought it 2 1/2 years ago. If they want me to spend $400 on a PS4 in 2016 it better have better specs, nobody would buy the same PC, tablet, TV or Roku in 2016 for the same price it was in 2014. I'm waiting for FFXV now, depending on tomorrows release date announcement.
And Sony will not say something or at least a month - some people will buy a PS4 for Dark Souls 3, and a lot of people will buy that $400 bundle for Uncharted 4, and some people may even buy a PS4 for Ratchet and Clank and maybe even MLB The Show 2016 (out today Sammy, no review?). So Sony will wait to announce it, probably at E3 since they've already talked so much about PSVR. Nintneod is doing the same thing w/ NX - waiting until after Pokken and StarFox on Wii U before telling us about NX which will probably be out holiday 2016. No reason to spill the beans now when they can sell another 300k Wii U to Pokemon and Starfox fans.
So I think Sony is doing the right thing - yes PS4 has sold 40mil, but PS3 sold 80mil and PS2 sold a whopping 155mil. And Sony has ALWAYS had hardware revisions - PS One, PS2 Slimline, PS3 HDD of the month. Might as well give the people want they want and make the new hardware better, gives them an excuse to make more money by keeping the price high, no race to the bottom. No "exclusive" games though, they are already splitting the install base w/ PSVR, can't afford to split it any more, just make the games run better and upscale for 4k tvs. That's it.
@AlexKidd How will it split the fan base when both systems can play the same games and play together online??
@AyeHaley We don't have enough info yet, but frames and resolution will be the reason. Imagine if the new supercharged PS4 is now capable of playing all games in 60fps in native 1080p and 4k resolutions (kind of a stretch with the 4k but oh well). Maybe you and I don't care, but a few dozen million of people are now feeling buyer's remorse because their system is not as good and are stuck in "peasant-only 30fps". Such comments will come up if any of this is true. Also, devs will "have" to make different versions of the same game: One version for PS4, one for PS4K, one for Xbone, one for PC (with multiple options), one for NX, one for Vita (?). I may be exaggerating but you never know...
@AlexKidd Surly the same can apply for PC users not everyone has a Titan ti graphics card but people don't really care as long as they can run the games. Sony are not fragmenting their user base as it's only a hardware update, the software will remain the same all games will be compatible with both consoles . The devs won't need to make different versions of a game, it will be the same game which I can only presume there will be a resolution option or frame rate option.
Personally I think this console is coming out to support the PSVR frame rate. It won't do anything to the resolution though as the displays resolution is 1080 x 960 so this can never be improved on. But I really think the PS4 will struggle to maintain frame rates as is.
And the 4k is for 4k movie Discs, to be honest the 4k support is pretty pointless in my opinion as it will have no impact on the graphics whatsoever unless they are sticking a couple of SLI Titans and an I5 on board 😆 would be nice but I have my doubts.
@AlexKidd Do developers have to make multiple PC versions for all the different CPU's, GPU's and RAM specs - NO. Can a basic Spec PC player play online games with players with a top end spec PC - YES.
Take something like Battlefield - a minimum spec PC can play that game at say 1080/60fps - maybe even with a lower textures but could be online playing with someone running the game at 4k. They could also be online with people running the game at 1440p/120+fps.
The difference under the hood (so to speak) is likely to be minimal in essence. A faster clock speed on the CPU (currently a 8core AMD 1.6ghz - maybe replaced by an 8core AMD 2.4ghz), A more powerful GPU (or two built in) and more RAM (currently 8GB - maybe 16GB) - as long as its running the same OS, its no different from PC's. The reason a PC needs a LOT of grunt to run games at a certain standard is because of the other things it needs to be able to do. If the PS4k is 'optimised' for gaming, it won't need as much grunt as a PC to do the same.
No doubt some of the issue is within the CPU. A lot minimum specs state a 2.4ghz CPU meaning the CPU can process 50% more per core than a PS4. The minimum specs often require 4GB DDR4 yet the PS4 has a faster GDDR5 and 8GB too. Its GPU is more than capable of 1080p/60fps compared to PC's running the same games that the PS4 runs at 30fps. Most of the bottlenecking that causes framerates to drop is actually down to the CPU so boosting the clock speed would be a good start.
Game developers don't make 3 (or more) versions of the same game. They make 1 and no doubt a very high res version.
Console gaming is supposed to be better value than P.C.Playstation is looking more and more like a rip off at this point. PS4 Vanilla+the extra expense of console games+PSVR+peripherals PS4.5+4K TV+ = No thanks,i'll get a P.C instead.The only reasonable way for Sony to do PS4.5 is an official collect and exchange Courier with a say,£100 fee.Think Gamestop or whoever will sort you out with a good part exchange? Nope.Yes the PS4 is underpowered,But then -It doesn't run on Windows.Traditionaly,Games consoles have always had gradually more more juice squeezed from them as they age.would a P.C with the exact same specs as a ps4 run Uncharted 4? I originally thought that devs could just about manage with the ps4 specs,Based on Bf4,Killzone and such -i guess not,so Sony flogged a rip off then,now they (probably) want to charge full price again because its not cutting the mustard..probably mainly just because the PSVR is struggling to get 30fps on basic titles with the vanilla.Everybody knows even High end PCs can struggle with Vr,so why are we getting a VR unit for PS4? (and/or PS4.5) The whole convoluted marketing shenanigans of Sony has left a bad taste in my mouth recently,And i'm not sure i want to buy anything off them now 'cos of it.
It's too bad that this seems to be happenning after all. I don't see myself upgrading at all, truth be told - I didn't even bite with the New 3DS, and that system was in much more need of an upgrade than the PS4.
Confirmed to release this holiday and priced at $400. It already has games in development for it.
Basically you 3 year old PS4 will pretty much lose most of the money you payed for it.
@special_donky The PSVR requires 60fps minimum.
I don't know why people are crying about this so much if people are pissed off they are bringing our a newer PS4 then obviously they don't want to upgrade. Well guess what folks you don't have to. If you own a PC do you get pissed off every time a new graphics card comes out?? No one is forcing anyone to upgrade, the ps4 is still going to function exactly the same as it always has all the games will work on both machines.
All I'm seeing is Sony are screwing us Sony is that Sony this, a lot has happened in the last two years and technology is moving forward faster than it ever has. Consoles can't wait 10 years for an update anymore. Deal with it..
Language -Tasuki-
@Slyfox30 Deal with it??? Most people buy console because they know they won't need to upgrade for atleast 5 years. VR needs more than 60fps. It actually needs 90fps which the PS4 and PSVR combined can achieve a refresh rate of upto 120hz.
Sony already supposedly have first party devs taking advantage of PS4.5 which would mean that all those that made the PS4 successful have been screwed since their version would be downgraded to less res and frame rate.
@WARDIE I said it requires 60fps minimum
The ps4 version wouldn't be down graded what so ever it would be played at what the PS4 is capable of handling as is all ps4 games that are being played now. So I don't see why all the crying there is no need to buy an upgraded console in less you want better graphics as stated all games will run on both devices the OS will remain the same it's only hardware. With the quality of games coming out now 5 years is far to long to wait.. it may have been okay in the 90's and 00's but things are just advancing way to fast and waiting 5 to 6 years for new tech is no good anymore.
If most people buy a console because they know they won't have to upgrade for 5 years then they are wrong for thinking that, where does it state anywhere that Sony will only bring out a console every 5 - 6 years??. first and foremost the console is a home entertainment system and in this day and age unfortunately if it's going to keep up with the tech then it's going to need updating. I'm all for the console being updated every 2 - 3 years let's face it $400 isn't a vast amount for a whole new system when just some of the PC graphics cards cost upwards of $1000 alone.
@Slyfox30 This is your second warning please watch the language -Tasuki-
If this rumor is true I hope they ditch the AMD APU. I'm happy I have not purchased a PS4... yet? I been a Sony PlayStation user for 19 years when I got my PS1 eight months of after the NA '95 release, the PS2 a month or two after release and the PS3 when they bundled it with the Dualshock 3 but I just don't know when/if I will go PS4. I do not want to subscribe PlayStation Plus just to game online (vast amount of games these days are all about gaming online too) and don't care about free games. But, I still have the retro gaming bug keeping me busy.
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