So we’ve had PlayStation 4 consoles for a while now. We’ve seen them struggle with older games and even some newer games from time to time due to poor optimization or just poor hardware. I’d have to go with the first one on this. However, what if we were able to see that change? According to a report on Giant Bomb suggests that sources have outlined what the PlayStation 4 “Neo” will do. Neo being the rumoured code name at this time. While it is handling a bit more power in all areas, players can expect that games will not be segregating players from each other, this same thing has happened before with both PlayStation 4 and Xbox 360 owners where people who decided to upgrade saw minor increases in performance. Though not all that much in the long run. I can imagine, however, VR owners are going to want this newer console to get the most out of their VR experience seeing as how the current PlayStation 4 may struggle a bit with a .5GHz bandwidth issue in processing power, let alone the rather large increase in memory access.
| CPU | 8 Jaguar Cores at 1.6 GHz | 8 Jaguar Cores at 2.1 GHz |
| GPU | AMD GCN, 18 CUs at 800 MHz | Improved AMD GCN, 36 CUs at 911 MHz |
| Memory | 8 GB GDDR5, 176 GB/s | 8 GB GDDR5, 218 GB/s |
But should we really be jumping for joy yet at this announcement? While it seems highly plausible that Sony will be doing this in the near future, it’s hard to say just when they will do so, especially with the PlayStation VR already being a steep 399.99 USD as a VR bundle. For those who already have many of the supplies needed? The idea of upgrading is harsh and will cause players to seriously re-consider their purchase. I know I for one am even though the press coverage is needed, but for personal use? It’s steep and rather painful. Though Sony has done this before with the PlayStation Move in order to push units out (we saw how not-so-good that thing did and it’s coming back with PlayStation VR).
With this new console the suspicion that there will be some heavy changes can’t really be pointed out just yet as we can suspect that the “Neo” will be using the same everything to run it, just it’ll be a bit faster, support games a bit better, and will allow for better optimization for VR games so that players can get the most out of their experience without having any hindered performance at all. Now if we see “Neo” exclusive games? That’ll make it where things get ugly since the newer console will offer developers a chance to lean towards the favor of the upgraded hardware. While we can suspect some games that currently offer 4 person cooperative play due to restrictions, we can also bet that’ll be safe to assume we’ll see those same games on the Neo to offer double that if not triple it due to the new memory capabilities. Unfortunately, we’ve not heard anything from Sony quite yet, but with E3 just around the corner? Expect some possibly large news.
The long run question is though? What will Sony put as the price tag? Will they cut down the cost on the older models to offer a better business model for consumers or will we see the new PlayStation 4 “Neo” surpass the PS4 and remain at the same price tag for those who want 4K gaming and for those that don’t? Seems like we’ll find out when the time comes.
About the Writer:
Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.
