Numerous reports indicate an upgradable console is on the horizon.
It looks like Sony may release a much more powerful version of the PlayStation 4.
According to Kotaku, numerous sources have reportedly outed the existence of a new version of PS4 that will have increased graphical and processing power, allowing for games to played in 4K resolution, and enhance the Playstation VR experience.
Developers who know about this project have nicknamed the console “PlayStation 4.5,” as well as “PlayStation 4K.”
4K resolution refers to a display with a pixel count of roughly 4,000, thus making it four times the pixel count of 1080p HD, which is currently the maximum resolution of PS4 games. Basically, if this new consoles were to come out, it would allow for games with better graphics.
Some sources close to Kotaku and Sony believe this console is more “exploratory” than anything else, and most doubt the console will release this year.
Sony has declined to comment on these reports, as they “can’t comment on rumors or speculation.”
Besides the New 3DS, gaming consoles that are improved versions of existing hardware have never really existed, rather, companies just create new consoles.
Perhaps, if these reports are true, the main reason why Sony would introduce an improved PS4 is because of PS VR. The recently priced and dated PlayStation Virtual Reality headset requires that games run at a high processing standard due to the technology required to simulate virtual reality. As VR evolves, and if the current PS4 cannot meet these standards, PS VR could easily become outmatched by its competition like the Oculous Rift or HTC Vive, as both only run on high-end PCs. Thus, Sony could be ushering in a new era where gaming consoles become upgradable like a gaming PC.
However, would you even be able to upgrade your current PS4 to PS4.5? Would Sony take the risk of introducing an improved piece of hardware, and exclude owners of the already available PS4 from graphically enhanced games? What would the PS4.5 cost then?
Obviously, we have many questions about this hypothetical console, and for now, these reports are all just speculation.
If these reports are true though, the landscape of consoles gaming could change drastically.
