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Sony Working on 'PlayStation 4.5' With Enhanced VR and 4K Support (kotaku.com)

An anonymous reader writes: Citing multiple sources, Kotaku says that Sony is working on a 'PlayStation 4.5.' The gaming console will supposedly have an upgraded GPU which will support high-end 4K resolution for games, and have more processing power which would enhance the games supported by PlayStation VR. From the report, "A more powerful PS4 would also allow the machine to be more competitive with PCs in the world of virtual reality. With a higher-end GPU, the PS4 could more easily match up against the more expensive Oculus Rift and HTC Vive virtual reality headsets, which are designed to work with powerful PCs."

66 comments

  1. Playstation 32X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Playstation 32X, huh?

    I'm sure it'll be a rousing success, like the HD-DVD drive for the 360.

    1. Re:Playstation 32X by DigiShaman · · Score: 2

      The Sega 32X was a bolt-on; like an amped up Nintendo FX chip concept. It tried to be a "Saturn Lite" console, but no where near its ability.

      This is more of a "Playstation 4 Plus". Plays all PS4 games, but the Plus supports optional 4k (for titles that support it) and enhanced VR

      --
      Life is not for the lazy.
    2. Re:Playstation 32X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I just upgraded to HD DVD from that obsolete BluRay shit last week.

    3. Re:Playstation 32X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      If it can do 4k why doesn't that mean that the 1080 can be more impressive than regular PS4 1080?

    4. Re:Playstation 32X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Devs will leap at the increased GPU performance. You can expect new titles to deliver higher fidelity, but perhaps have a fallback for older PS4 devices.

    5. Re:Playstation 32X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There will definitely be PS 4.5 only games, and towards the end of the cycle probably most if not all games will require 4.5 hardware.

    6. Re:Playstation 32X by DigiShaman · · Score: 1

      So I'm responding to both you and the AC in this chain: I can't imagine the devs looking to tap into this PS4+ for enhanced 1080p over the standard PS4. If anything, to prevent fragmentation in the online multi-player experience (can't be having differences in performances like in the PC world) for competitive reasons, the'll have to throw 4K mode into its own multiplayer session. Meaning, PS4+ vs PS4 having the same 1080 characteristics can play together. But PS4+ enhanced GPU 1080 vs PS4 standard GPU 1080 wouldn't, or rather shouldn't, be allowed in the same hosted session. Ditto for 4k mode. Only PS4+ in 4K mode can play with other PS4+ units. Just think of the uproar in a COD game where performance is a *huge* difference in both responsiveness and sniping ability.

      --
      Life is not for the lazy.
    7. Re:Playstation 32X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If Sony does make a GPU upgrade available to the PS4, then they would be smart to incorporate it directly into their HMD.

    8. Re:Playstation 32X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So developers need to make games that work solely with this device, just like with the 32X, or they can target the majority of the market with less effort.

      Knowing Sony inability to do it all right, the PS4K will run ordinary games faster than a PS4, giving gamers an advantage.

    9. Re:Playstation 32X by nowsharing · · Score: 1

      It is in fact exactly like the 32X, which supported all Genesis games and provided graphical improvements to 32X games and a small number of (gastly) Sega CD/32X titles. Playstation 4 Plus could just as easily be called Playstation 5 Lite, since it will function exactly the same economically. It's a stop-gap between generations.

      The hardware add-on era is back and, frankly, we should be surprised that this business model is being pursued. It shows just how unprepared Sony and MS are for new contenders at this stage.

    10. Re:Playstation 32X by sexconker · · Score: 1

      There will definitely be PS 4.5 only games

      Yes.

      towards the end of the cycle probably most if not all games will require 4.5 hardware.

      No. In the entire history of video games this has never happened. It has been attempted many times.

    11. Re:Playstation 32X by DigiShaman · · Score: 1

      No. No it's not. The 32X as I've stated is a bolt-on. Meaning, anyone with a Genesis (MegaDrive) could purchase one to play the latest 32X games. A PS4+ or PS4K, or whatever, is an entirely new console. Meaning, market penetration will be less for existing console owners for all but the most die-hard that will no doubt trade up at the nearest GameStop.

      --
      Life is not for the lazy.
    12. Re:Playstation 32X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "This is more of a "Playstation 4 Plus". Plays all PS4 games, but the Plus supports optional 4k (for titles that support it) and enhanced VR"

      Meaning... anyone who has bought a PS4 will either need to buy a new PS4 to get the VR experience, or do without.

      Meaning Sony will have divided their gaming audience into two groups. The haves and the havenots.

      The haves may or may not buy games that only work for the havenots. The havenots will obviously not be buying what only the haves can play.

      Overall game sales go down, per title. (Except for the ultra hyped and marketed to death game that everyone will be brainwashed to want - for the havenots anyway.)

    13. Re:Playstation 32X by Blaskowicz · · Score: 1

      The 32X was a bolt-on but for no good reason, it was a console that plugged into another console basically and might have been better off as a standalone, perhaps including Megadrive hardware compatibility. That would have made it interesting for both Megadrive and SNES users.

    14. Re:Playstation 32X by kurkosdr · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I think what the dude meant is that fracturing your installed base just 2 years after your console launched is an immensely dumb idea, no matter how it's done (blot-on or new system). The only way Sony can pull "PlayStation 4.5" off and succeed is to make those VR games compatible with the ordinary PS4, even at a lower-resolutions or non-VR functionality. Otherwise, if there are games that run only on the PS4.5, every developer is going to go towards where the audience is (PS4) for as long as it's "good enough". Also, VR took Sony and MS by surprise, otherwise they wouldn't have gone for so mediocre GPUs...

    15. Re:Playstation 32X by nowsharing · · Score: 2

      I was under the impression that a hardware upgrade was going to be sold for PS4 owners, and a new console would also be made that includes the upgraded GPU. This would be similar to the 32X, and Sega even planned a console that included the 32X and Sega CD hardware called the Sega Neptune.

    16. Re:Playstation 32X by U2xhc2hkb3QgU3Vja3M · · Score: 1

      First-person shooters on console have auto-aim/aimbots built-in, the resolution won't matter as much as it does on PC/Mac.

    17. Re:Playstation 32X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      mediocre GPUs

      No, they got the best CPU+GPU they could get in under 100W. More power = louder.

  2. Don't get your panties twisted. by negRo_slim · · Score: 1

    It'll be a slim with 4K video support.

    --
    On the Oregon Cost born and raised, On the beach is where I spent most of my days
  3. Really making great strides by NotDrWho · · Score: 5, Funny

    "We want to bring the hardware confusion of the PC market together with the low-power of the console market," said Sony. "Think of it as bringing together the worst of both worlds."

    "Already done it," responded Valve's Gabe Newell.

    --
    SJW's don't eliminate discrimination. They just expropriate it for themselves.
    1. Re:Really making great strides by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKAOfhyRMoA

    2. Re:Really making great strides by AbRASiON · · Score: 1

      Yep, officially one of the worst rumours I've heard in a long time. I recently gave up PC gaming for good. Too old, too poor, not enough time. I love just plug, play on my consoles. I can deal with 30fps vs 60 or 90, I don't mind the sub 1080p games, they normally squeeze out pretty nice graphics for a $400 box.

      The thought of the consoles take a PC-esque route is frankly, gross to me. Awful idea.

    3. Re:Really making great strides by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Now we know where the speculated teraflop class APUs are also going, speculatively speaking.

    4. Re:Really making great strides by NotDrWho · · Score: 2

      The first time I find myself having to check the box of a console game to see if my console meets the system requirements is the day I just go back to PC gaming for good. If I have to deal with all the hassles of PC gaming, I may as well get all the benefits too.

      --
      SJW's don't eliminate discrimination. They just expropriate it for themselves.
  4. Scenes from Sony HQ by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "But if only our platform were more than what it is! If we only had the power of a better platform!"

    "STOP! Listen to yourself! The entire problem you've identified only exists if you think of our product as having integrity. This is SONY!"

    "God, you're right. I'm so stupid. We have no respect for our customers or their expectations. Let's just do whatever we want, considering this is Sony and we can get everyone to go along with whatever it is."

  5. PS 4.5 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Now selling.... for 4.5x the price

    1. Re:PS 4.5 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh, it's going to just have a RAM upgrade?

  6. PS4K by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    if they don't call it the Playstation 4K i will be disappointed

  7. All they have to do is make PSVR PC compatible by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm not buying a $450 console + mandatory accessories when I could spend that much on a good video card.

    1. Re:All they have to do is make PSVR PC compatible by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Insightful

      Enjoy your Windows spyware, trojans and viruses.

    2. Re:All they have to do is make PSVR PC compatible by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Enjoy your Windows spyware, trojans and viruses.

      >spyware, trojans and viruses
      Is the modern /. userbase really that retarded that any of these things would ever be experienced on their own PC?

    3. Re:All they have to do is make PSVR PC compatible by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The spyware comes with Windows 10.

    4. Re:All they have to do is make PSVR PC compatible by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      The spyware IS Windows 10.

    5. Re:All they have to do is make PSVR PC compatible by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      >>> Enjoy your Windows spyware, trojans and viruses.

      >> Is the modern /. userbase really that retarded that any of these things would ever be experienced on their own PC?

      tl;dr summary: Yes.

      Long version:

      a) Have you noticed the number of articles about Windows vis-a-vis other systems? (BTW, outside of free software and open source, what desktop proprietary systems are left besides OS X?)
      b) Try to write M$ and get instantly -1 (-3 perhaps if you're registered);
      c) Have you seen news about M$ saying users are in full control? (they're saving on PR people, it seems)
      d) As much as Apple can sell bricks and still be revered, Windows users say they have an antivirus and quickly poke their heads into the ground;
      e) Windows techies still recommend rebooting and the worse part is that it still works... for a while...
      f) You are going to upgrade to 10. Period. Then you'll a monthly fee for new apps, because your current ones will go unsupported. Just go get the money, OK?
      g) Eventually you'll get M$ Linux, the only version compatible with M$ Office. Maybe they find a way to make it incompatible com other distros... Exclusive M$ keys? Of course, many people will have nothing against it. They will be able to keep on buying M$ and use LInux: the best of both worlds!
      h) If it's bad having to upgrade and shelling out big bucks, imagine not upgrading and paying big bucks as a monthly fee. Actually, given the level of support we get in updating, it might be a good idea!

  8. How will this affect the coherency of the market? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Will games be released that require a PS4.5 only, or will the developers have to provide separate graphic profiles for the PS4/PS4.5? I don't imagine this being a completely separate platform.

  9. Great naming opportunity for them by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    PlayStation 4.5 just sounds dumb, and it would be disingenuous to call it a PS5 if it's meant to be fully compatible, so... PlayStation 4k

  10. Does it come in a DRM-free version? by WillAffleckUW · · Score: 1

    Just asking.

    (I have a PS4 and an xBox)

    --
    -- Tigger warning: This post may contain tiggers! --
  11. Terrible slogan by malditaenvidia · · Score: 1

    This is for point five the players.

  12. Not to be outdone... by MetricT · · Score: 0, Troll

    Microsoft is also apparently working on increasing the XBox's graphical capabilities. According to rumor, the improved XBox will come with support for up to 16 hardware sprites on screen at a time, and the ability to free up more memory for developers by turning off the BIOS mapped into $A000...

    1. Re:Not to be outdone... by Blaskowicz · · Score: 1

      How disingenious of you, the limit is 16 hardware sprites on a scanline. Way more can be shown on screen if you're careful.

  13. They screwed up by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Funny how both Sony and MS are finally realizing how bad a move it was to design their "next gen" consoles with such low hardware specs.

    1. Re:They screwed up by Trongy · · Score: 2

      Sony could have made a PS4 console that was twice as powerful, but it would have been twice the size to accommodate the larger heat sinks and cost twice as much. They would not have sold 36 million PS4's if that was the case.

      Consoles are built to a price point and that price point gets lower over the lifespan of the console. It's quantity over quality.

    2. Re:They screwed up by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sony could have made a PS4 console that was twice as powerful, but it would have been twice the size to accommodate the larger heat sinks and cost twice as much

      Bullshit. The Alienware Steam Machine is physically smaller than the PS4 and way more powerful. It also doesn't cost much more.

    3. Re:They screwed up by Blaskowicz · · Score: 1

      Does it use AMD's tech from 2012 or 2013? no.

  14. Re:Nintendo NX exciting? by gameboyhippo · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I know, why would I want to play original titles with gorgeous graphics like Splatoon!, Pikmin 3, Super Mario 3D World, when I can play buggy 3rd party "bald space marine" FPSs in glorious next gen brown? I hate it when companies push the envelope in creativity, fun, and challenge too.

    Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my "Fischer Price" games like "Fire Emblem: Fates".

  15. Re: Nintendo NX exciting? by jsh1972 · · Score: 1

    I'd buy it just for the eventual metroid game. .. zelda too

  16. Re:Nintendo NX exciting? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Found the virgin!

  17. 64DD by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I can see this sitting alongside my 64DD

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

  18. A good move by Sony by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    VR requires 120? fps, versus the 30 fps of many video games. So, a big bump in graphical power to coincide with the arrival of VR sounds like a smart move to me. I think they should just call it the Playstation 5, even though it will technically be a beefed up PS4. I suspect it will be easy to have a build system to target the PS5 in addition to the PS4. If the specs of the VR goggles, and PS5 match up well, I could see the PS5 being around for a long time.

    1. Re:A good move by Sony by LesFerg · · Score: 1

      So, a big bump in graphical power to coincide with the arrival of VR sounds like a smart move to me.

      Would have been smarter to have prepared the PS4 for this in the first place. I was preparing myself for the expense of VR gear to go with my PS4, but with $800 to $1000 being the cheapest options I have seen so far (and when adjusted to NZ$ it will probably double) I can't see myself replacing the PS4 as well as forking out for the VR gear, so yeah, PC upgrades are looking very likely now.

      --
      If I had a DeLorean... I would probably only drive it from time to time.
  19. Re: Nintendo NX exciting? by sexconker · · Score: 0

    I'd buy it just for the eventual metroid game. .. zelda too

    It's been ages since the last Metroid game. I enjoyed Other M, despite its flaws, but many hated it.
    The next one we're getting next is a fucking travesty. It looks like a bad DS game (and in fact started as a DSi game) despite being on the very capable 3DS. It's not even a mainline title.

    Nintendo hates Metroid, unfortunately.

  20. Re:Nintendo NX exciting? by gameboyhippo · · Score: 1

    You misunderstood. I was being sarcastic. I really don't enjoy kiddie M rated games and choose to play awesome creative games made by Nintendo, Level 5, etc... instead. You'll get it when you grow up.

  21. Never Sony Again by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I bought a Sony Playstation 3. Its proprietary. Waaay proprietary. They said you could run Linux on it, and you could for a while (mine still can, but I can't update any of the regular system software anymore which means I'm stuck with some really annoying bugs). George Hotz tried to expand the functionality of the PS3 and got sued by Sony, even though he didn't steal anything, paid for the PS3, still has the receipt "Paid In Full". Sony offered functionality, then took it way. They stole from every PS3 owner, then sued a guy who tried to get the functionality back. And so I never buy Sony again.

    1. Re:Never Sony Again by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh no, with you and the three other people running Linux on PS3 boycotting them, whatever will Sony do?

      They're doomed.

  22. Re: Nintendo NX exciting? by jsh1972 · · Score: 1

    Oh wow, i hadn't seen that new one. What a piece of crap! No single player, no Samus... it's like a metroid game, just without metroid... or game. Other M looks pretty cool, however, might have to dig out the ol' wii if i can find it. I loved the metroid prime games, they were my favorite wii games, motion control worked great with it. Too bad they're crapping all over it on its 30th anniversary. What's next, zelda, played in only multiplayer deathmatch and you don't play as Link, but rather an anonymous Royal Marine, er Guard? Or maybe Mario cart, single player only, overhead perspective ala original gta games? Nintendo, you are disappoint.

  23. Introducing pay to play and now ditching the PS4 by MindPrison · · Score: 1

    Wow, I'm astonished of how bad Sony manages their gaming consoles.

    They started out really great by literally introducing affordable hardware 3D for everyone, opened it up with Linux later on - and was still the best alternative for free to play via the internet, something that made their PS3 stand out from the rest, Xbox declined...people souring up over being the only console where you have to play to pay...

    And what the HELL happened to you guys?

    First you rape the customers in the butts by telling them that you will NOT touch the Linux part of the PS3, then a MONTH later you force everyone to accept the removal of Other OS option.

    And then you introduce the PS4...telling the world it's the new black and ready for ALL the new systems, VR, 4K etc...and you decide to go the Microsoft way with Play to pay...which is the no#1 reason the Xbox didn't really take off...

    And now...you are telling the LAST loyal fanbase you have - that their next gen console (PS4) is a dud, sorry guys...you'll have to sell your new...err..old PS4 console for a PS4.5, it's the same but it will keep our promises this time - we promise!

    Woah, someone ought to do some firing rounds at the offices over there.

    --
    What this world is coming to - is for you and me to decide.
  24. Nintendo recently tried this with the new 3DS by meleeblub · · Score: 1

    Nintendo recently tried this with the new 3DS. To date, only two games have been made exclusively for the new hardware (not counting the recent introduction of snes virtual console games). The problem is that publishers are always reluctant to ignore an already existing, and extremely large, install base of older hardware. The same thing happened in the transition between console generations recently.

    1. Re:Nintendo recently tried this with the new 3DS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yep, it happened to the commodore 128. It was a great machine and backwards compatible with the C64 so people kept making C64 games. Same with the TG-16's successor.

  25. Re:Nintendo NX exciting? by Viol8 · · Score: 1

    Good to see the pre teens come on /. too. Welcome.

  26. STOP PUSHING 4K by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    4k is not doable without at least 2 nvidia 980ti. Current generation consoles have some 8 year old AMD tech and still have trouble pushing extremely low quality graphics at 1080p. But I'm sure sony's got it all figured out, and won't just be selling the same metal with extra gear for $$$$$.

  27. Re:Nintendo NX exciting? by loufoque · · Score: 1

    Fire Emblem Fates has Fischer Price level of censorship though

  28. Re: Nintendo NX exciting? by sexconker · · Score: 0

    What's next, zelda, played in only multiplayer deathmatch and you don't play as Link, but rather an anonymous Royal Marine, er Guard?

    Well...

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

  29. Re: Nintendo NX exciting? by jsh1972 · · Score: 1

    No more! You're killing me here lol