The big question on Push Square's lips this week was whether Sony would reveal PlayStation 4K at E3 2016. We came to the conclusion that the manufacturer would have to chat about the souped-up system – after all, it would be embarrassing to watch the organisation deflect every question about the appliance given just how much has already leaked. As it happens, it has announced the new hardware – but on the eve of the Los Angeles-based event instead.
The news broke unexpectedly earlier today, courtesy of a Financial Times article. Group president Andrew House didn't say much, but he revealed the all-important facts: the format is real, it's for hardcore gamers looking for a little extra horsepower, and it will coexist alongside the current console. We're sure that this was all part of a carefully coordinated plan by the company to get the facts across, but it all seemed quite effortless in the end, didn't it?
There are still questions to be asked about the console, of course – exactly how much will it cost, and what new features will it enable. And that's a delicate tightrope that the organisation will still have to cross at some point: it needs to make PS4K look attractive without upsetting existing owners. But by confirming that the new system will complement its current counterpart, it should have at least allayed fears that the existing model is about to be replaced – it's not.
And that's probably the best that we could have hoped for. Now, with confirmation that the system will debut at a later date, attention can turn back to E3 2016 and the software that Sony will have on show. The PS4K – or Neo as it's known in some circles – has sucked a little of the life out of the Japanese giant's media briefing, with industry attention on hardware rather than games. But by removing the device from the equation, our interest lies elsewhere.
The interesting thing about this year's show, as we alluded in our predictions article, is that the platform holder's been pretty darn quiet for a while now. There are inevitable announcements that we're anticipating, of course; Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare will be at the media briefing in full force, as will Horizon: Zero Dawn and PlayStation VR. But outside of the obvious inclusions, we really struggled coming up with a complete set of press conference predictions.
And that's exciting, because the firm's at its best when it silently surpasses expectations. Last year is a great example: we expected a poor showing – and we got the greatest of all time. With the PS4K now articulately removed from the running, we get the distinct impression that Sony's waiting quietly for its show to get underway. And we actually hope that nothing leaks at this point, because we get the feeling that the firm's biding its time, and about to blow our minds.
Are you feeling a little more comfortable about the PS4K now? Are you happy that the hardware will be skipping its press conference? Start a last-minute hype train in the comments section below.
Comments 33
So, does that mean they would have been "wrong" had they announced it at E3?
Or is every move the right move
the right move would have been to wait until PS5 and not release any half-step console
@JaxonH With both NX and Neo skipping E3 I might have to get a New 3DS XL.
OK, that's half a joke, but a $149 sale at Target for my birthday might finally do it.
I feel like a bit of a hypocrite saying this, as my avatar is based on Nintendo not showing NX at E3, but I think Neo skipping E3 is an OK move. I'd prefer it was there, as I really want a Neo FF15 bundle on Sept 30, but that's just me, Sony has a company to run. Sony also has PSVR, and 40mil PS4 sales, and several games. NX is Nintendo future, and Wiig U really only has Zelda U, which is THE NX launch title. So NX has a launch date and a launch game, we just don't if it's a home, handheld or both console. Neo can wait, PS4 is exceeding expecatations.
I reckon this is a smart move by Sony......most of the media attention will also be diverted to the actual show next week, so this is a nice way to confirm its existence with minimal impact.
I reckon the actual launch of the PS4K will be rather quiet as well.......unless it's found out that PSVR performance on the base PS4 is abysmal, which would be all-around negative media exposure for Sony.
I want the NEO. My day one PS4's CPU fan is louder than a jet turbine, and I really don't feel like applying thermal paste to console... It was a huge pain to open it up the first time to remove the dust from the GPU fan, and I kind of just want a new PS4 now. Added horse power is a bonus IMO. Of course I'm a PC gamer as well, so I like to upgrade whenever I can.
@DualWielding Eh not really, I kind of want a $400-$500 ps4 that can play uncharted 4, ratchet & clank, and the witcher 3 at 60 fps. Ps5 is still another 4 to 5 years, too long.
@Neolit A word of friendly advice: you have to be very careful when you vacuum any electronics as the slightest shock will short out any delicate components; I personally use a can of compressed air. But yes mine is incredibly loud when running the Witcher 3, Uncharted 4, or Doom. It gets very very hot after extended sessions of playing so I know for certain that the thermal paste on my CPU is disintegrating. I'll have to open it up remove the fan and apply new paste to get it to stop I don't really have the wherewithal to do that now. I wish it was easier to open up, but hot damn does the console look sexy. Just the other day I was talking with someone while playing Doom and they kept going on about my fan. "What fan?" I asked, "My fan is low you shouldn't hear it." They said it was a loud whirring like a helicopter. I took my headset off and sure enough my PS4 was screaming bloody murder glowing red hot. The poor thing...
@Neolit With respect if you're using compressed air to jam dust deeper into the console you're using it wrong. Also there are two fans in the PS4 one that is part of the AMD graphics card, and one attached to the CPU. The CPU shouldn't gather as much dust, but the dust it does gather will eat away at the thermal paste used to bind the fan to the Processor. The slot on the bottom that can be slid open exposes the GPU which with shot bursts to the side of the fan will allow the dust to fly upwards. As for grounding yourself before using a vacuum cleaner on a delicate device it isn't safe in any circumstance no matter how the hardware if built as that process is very hit or miss. You'll either quickly clean what you're cleaning or damage your equipment. Trust me I've seen it happen a lot.
I think it's a smart move. Either this, or they address it quickly in the press conference and move on. Treating it as a special thing or the best news ever (as many companies like to do) would be a bad move. I just hope they don't save VR until last. Just put a little bit of it in, then move on and end on something like Crash.
I think its a good move - especially if they haven't finalised the 'details' yet. I am sure they are looking at changing the CPU. The jaguar chip is meant to operate between 1.5 and 2ghz, running it at 2.1ghz (as the leaked specs showed) would require good heat sync but also a lot of power - its like running a car in the red-line. The Puma, Jaguars replacement, was 50% more energy efficient and could be clocked a bit faster. At 2.1ghz, it would be using half as much power as the Jaguar. I still think they are looking at (if not already acquired) the Zen chip though based on the same 14nm FinFET chip as the Polaris GPU.
As much as I hoped to see it at E3, insiders had said they were likely to reveal at the Tokyo Game Show, with availability coming as soon as Holiday Season 2016 – in time for the PlayStation VR headset.
A developer doesn't need a 'complete' PS4k to develop games for, but they do need a CPU, GPU and RAM to optimise their games to run. Some of the other details could still be in the discussion/negotiating stage or still in the 'testing' stage and therefore 'things' could change - if the design over heats for example, the design may need to be changed to accommodate better heat dissipation. Until everything is ready, its better to leave any announcement.
Regardless, I am still looking forward to it...
There is a great article about this on polygon, it tells a version of how confirming this early is a great business move and terrible news for Microsoft. As they are striding ahead with sales and xbox sales are contracting, it will put the pressure on xbox to release an upgrade first, allowing Sony to match or exceed their offering.
Anyway it's definitely worth a read, if only to get a nice clear competitive business and marketing point of view.
I actually think we know a lot more now if you focus on the words he used:-
We know its for "hardcore" gamers
This is so much clearer.
I highly doubt the PS4K will be geared towards playing games in 4K (unless they are very simple graphically, think Entwined)........more like improving game performance in 1080p, allowing 4K media use (streaming, movies), and acting as the superior way to utilize PSVR.
@sub12 I doubt that many 'new' games will run in native 4k and those that do are likely to be remasters or indie games. A game like Uncharted for example, could run in 4k. We know it runs in 1080/60 so double the power would give us 1440/60, half the frame rate to double the resolution again could give us 4k/30. That tells us that a lot of the 30fps games that got a 1080/60 remaster, could have been remastered to 4k.
However if we consider Uncharted 4, that runs at 1080/30. Double the power could run the game at 60fps OR 1440p. The PS4 Neo looks to be around 2.5 times the power and looks to have 'better, more efficient' architecture - meaning it could perform more like 3x the power but its still not going to be enough to tun 4K at playable frame rates.
The leaked documentation stated that all games must hit 1080p (min) so games that run at 900p - games like Mirrors Edge, SW:BF, U4 MP etc, would first have to run at 1080p before considering any further improvements.
A game running at 1080/60, even though it 'could' run at 4k/30 (as above), It cannot because the Neo version would have to remain at 60fps - it cannot have lower frame rates (or resolution for that matter) than the vanilla system.
Developers are only likely to face a decision on what they want with games running at 30fps on the vanilla system. First off they would have to make sure the game runs at 1080p (if it runs under this on the vanilla) but could opt to increase the visuals or the frame rate to 60fps.
Chances are, games that have frame rate drops currently, would be a lot more stable on the Neo without the developers adding in 'Neo' modes - games like Fallout 4 and Doom for example.
@JaxonH C'mon now - y'know we're critical of Sony on this site.
I agree with this article. Showing Neo at E3 would have been divisive and distracting. Slipping out just a little info beforehand inn order to confirm existence yet mollify the fan base was the perfect move.
I really see no issue in making a 'small' announcement at the end of the briefing. Just an image with maybe the price and launch date if known - even a teaser - a close up on a part of it with maybe some information bout 'when' it will be discussed - TGS? Gamescom?. Its now confirmed and I doubt people will not be asking Sony for more details but this could stop that.
Do you think Sony would be right not to mention it if MS announce the 'Scorpio'? Would it matter if they did? If MS announced it with immediate OR support and all OR games would play, would that take away from Sony and its VR? Would they have to respond with the Neo then? Just because some/no 'games' may be 'ready' to show in 'Neo' mode doesn't mean that they can't drop it in at the end or even a teaser image with see you at TGS/Gamescom for example. By not saying anything, they will no doubt be bombarded by questions at their booth. The fact it has been confirmed but not making any E3 appearance is going to be just, if not more distracting - people are going to be asking for details, how powerful it is, what difference it will make to their games etc. People will want to know how the games look/run on Neo instead of enjoying how good those games play, look, run etc at the show. I can understand why they won't have them at the booths - maybe 1-2 behind closed doors... But not mentioning it at all could still be very distracting regardless of what MS does. If MS do mention theirs, then that could take the edge of what Sony show.
@rjejr
Honestly, they were getting a little ahead of themselves trying to focus on two new pieces of hardware at once. Show VR and get that done with before moving on to another. VR should be a big deal- and a big deal should take spotlight, not be just "one of several new products"
Pretty sure NX is a home console now. I've tossed my handheld hybrid theory out the window. And buy a New 3DS- you'll LOVE it. Playing Kirby Planet Robobot now and it's a real gem.
@JaxonH We got Kirby in the email yesterday, it's my sons graduation gift so my wife told him the box was a case for my new smartphone which I'm getting for Father's Day. He probably knows it's Kirby, but when I open my phone and case next Sunday maybe he'll at least have to rethink what he knows.
Target has a bunch of Wii U 1st party games on sale starting tomorrow $10 off and Wii U is $275. I figure the New 3DS XL is due, 4 years at $199 and that thing is never on sale. Gotta get something for my birthday. I'd probably bite at $179 w/ a $30 gift card, X1 is $299 w/ a $30 GC this week.
@get2sammyb
I was just kidding, hence the wink.
EDIT
Just couldn't resist. To me there is no "right" or "wrong". Announce now, fine. Announce at e3, fine. Announce after e3, fine. None are right, none are wrong.
@rjejr
I've seen some great deals and honestly, not only will you probably see some deals on New 3DS this fall, but also for the OG PS4.
Keep an eye on CAG. If I see anything tempting I'll let you know.
@JaxonH I used to be on CAG all the time, but I don't like the new layout. (Well not new anymore it's been a year or 2) And really there hasn't been much going on in our house worth following. I think w'ere all outgrowing gaming. Not everything of course, we all have things we like, and the boys have to have Pokemon, but the days of having to own all types of new games are over, we are finding other things to do with our time.
And another thing, Nintneod game prices are crazy. I've probably already told you this, but I bought a Gamecube 2 days after it hit $99. But it wasn't b/c it hit $99, it was b/c I was able to buy Starfox Adventures, Luigi's Mansion, and Super Mario Sunshine all for $20 each on the Palyer's CHoice line, and SSBM was $30. So for about $200 plus tax I got a system plus 4 games. 3DS finally got some Selects, but launch titles should all be $20 now, anything over 2 years should be $20. Kid Icarus, Luig's Mansion 2 Dark Moon, SM3DL, ALBW, FE:A, Sticker Star. All of these games are $40 on Amazon, 2, 3, 4 years old. So not only do I need to buy the console, I need to buy the games, and when I look at those game prices, I'm not happy. When I buy a PS4 I can buy $60 Knack, inFamous, Terrarawy and Killzone for $15 each. It add ups.
@rjejr
That s true.
But that's also why you need GCU. $40 games become $31.99 which is half the price of a new console game. I think that's doable, wouldn't you agree? And there are sales which can stack with the GCU.
A second round of selects are coming this fall (maybe announced at e3? either way). Between 2 rounds of selects for $15.99 GCU and full price $31.99 GCU, you can still get quite a lot of bang for your buck.
Not to mention the 3rd party games are cheap. Monster Hunter 4 Ultmate, Tales of the Abyss, Bravely Default (though I recommend Second), RE Revelation, Street Fighter IV, Stella Glow, LBX... all discounted.
Think I saw Final Fantasy Explorers for $15 on Amazon today even.
@JaxonH I like your thinking, but we both know I don't think like that. GCU means a reasonably priced $20 game is a good deal at $16. Nintendo keeping MSRP for 3 years means a $40 game is still double what it should be at $32.
And I'm not even sure mutha-fukka I just checked Best Buy to see if they even had Kid Icarus Uprising and they did, For $10 used. And they also had Lego City Undercover used for $10. But neither is available for shipping, and neither is available within 250 miles of my house I just got seriously powned by Best Buy.
Maybe I should just take up knitting or something.
Time for lunch,then a nap, old people stuff.
I am so glad I don't have to worry about this during the press event I dont like the idea of a PS4K at all. I don't trust Sony that much.
@rjejr
You can complain about how things should be but it's not going to change how they are. So regardless of what price you think you should be paying for a game, it is what it is- you might as well make the best of it and find the cheapest price you can.
Only place I trust buying used games at is eBay. You can scoop KI Uprising for $20-25 there and see the condition before you buy. Can scoop brand new for $30.
And again regardless of what you think it should be- The bottom line is how much you're paying for each game that entertains you. Paying $30 (at the VERY VERY most) is quite sustainable for a gaming habit. That's half what a console game costs. So the bottom line objectively is that you can sustain a gaming habit on the platform for reletively cheap. There are only about a dozen first party games that have maintained their price. And even those can be had for $30- the rest for $10-20.
That's about as good as it gets.
Great article here:
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-06-10-we-dont-know-why-sonys-making-ps4k-but-there-are-plenty-of-reasons-it-shouldnt
totally agree with @dualwielding. After the PS4 should be the PS5 imho
@JaxonH But the thing is, I can maintain my gaming habit for far less than what Ntineod is charging. I bought the Mass Effect Trilogy for $5 - yes $5 for all 3 games - and I haven't even started it yet. Ni No Kuni for $11. I think Kingdom of Alumar Reckoning was $10. Tomb Raider was $5. I bought a 3 pack of Skyrim, Bioshock and Infinite for $15. I got Metroid Other M for $4.98 clearance at Target.
And here's the thing, I haven't finished any of those games yet. How many more am I expected to buy? I bought Bayonetta 1 & 2 for $30 about a year after release, those are next month. So I do spend on things I want. Nintendo is just to Ntineod for me.
@rjejr
Well I'd say you've done a pretty good job talking yourself out of it. If you're looking for reason to not game on a system, trust me, you of all people will find plenty.
I can't argue with anything you're saying. Of course you can maintain your gaming habit for far less- I was never trying to persuade you this was the cheapest way to maintain a gaming habit. I was simply saying it's cheapER than you might think.
EDIT
But I know for a fact that that's not all you care about. If it were, you would live the rest of your life playing PS3 and Wii games
@JaxonH Well not Wii games, Wii U Games. I can't abide by the Wii's SD graphics. Besides being cheap I'm a graphics whore. That doens't sound right but you know what I mean, I can't play those 8 bit retro games either. Heck I can barley play N64 games, I hate that angular look many of them have. Gamecube and Dreamcast are fine, guess I need 128bit or greater. Wii games are all washed out. Well not all of them, SMG, MK, SSB are fine, TP and SS, especially SS, are kind of meh.
But back to the sales prices - just b/c it popped up - every Sunday morning I check the Target Cartwheel app (mobile app for discounts at Target) and it seems like every week there are Sony and MS deals - this week is 15% off PS4, 25% off PS3, 35% off 1 year of Xbox Live. I can't recall ever seeing anything, not a 1, for Nintendo, not a Wii Mini or Wii U or 2/3DS. There are games sales, Skylanders, Disney Infinity, Lego D are there almost every single week, so you can save money on Wii U games, but nothing by or from Nintendo.
I know you don't need the savings w/ GCU, it's just another way Nintendo seems to eschew sales.
And of course you are right about me putting off a 3DS purchase, but 35% off w/ Cartwheel on a New 3DS XL, I might not be able to resist then. Like I said, I check every week, but nothing Ntineod. I'm not biting on the $295 PS4 though, I want my FFXV bundle. They can't let me down this time, like they did w/ the $400 Uncharted 4 bundle w/ 500GB, I won't be insulted.
@rjejr
Not sure how many games you buy, but uh, you're probably gonna need a full 2TB hard drive for your PS4. Games averaging 30-50 gigs with mandatory installs and 2 updates at a few gigs each there, plus all the other junk that clogs space... You'll barely fit 10 games on a stock hard drive before topping off. Thankfully it's only $100 for a hard drive and fairly easy to swap out. Then you can put the stock 500gb into the shell casing and use for an external on Wii U or PS3, whichever needs it most.
I have a 128gb microSD for 3DS, but you could probably skate with a 64gb for $19.99
@JaxonH I'm hoping a 1TB for FFXV, and I try my best to manage. I know it's all mandatory installs, but if it's on disc I'll just delete it when I'm done. I'd probably survive w/ 32GB on 3DS, I don't think that has much to download. Though maybe I'll finally play Mini Mario amibo and Friends, I hear the 3DS version actually works w/ DK and Bowser from SKylanders, my Wii U version doesn't. Guess I'll cross that bridge if and when I come to it. But first, E3.
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