Why Sony's PS4 'Neo' is a natural evolution of the console cycle

VideoGamer: "Some players may decry Sony's decision to revise the console, but it's been a long time coming."

[Neonridr]

natural evolution to buy new consoles every 3 years now?

Wow.. talk about forward thinking. My wallet is super excited at that.

Seriously, how will devs plan for games accordingly if it takes like 2 years to make them? By the time the game releases there could be a new console from the manufacturer on the horizon.

And bringing up games for the N64 that required the expansion pack is a poor example. The expansion pack costed about as much as a game did. In fact, it even CAME with one game. If Sony let me pay a marginal fee to upgrade me to the new system that would be fine. But they aren't doing that are they? I have to pay for an entire new console.

[extermin8or]

You don't have to buy it. If the leaks are correct and it appears likely that they are. There will be no exclusive features or content. All games must to current levels of performance on the current model just will have optional better graphics/frame rate etc on the new model/higher resolution. Settings that exist on pc anyway and as the architecture is similar it actually does make sense tbf.... So you dobt have to buy a new console every 3 years more like every 6 you simply can if you wish to. The console hardware changes slightly through a consoles lifetime anyway.
Also places like ganestop or GAME in the UK etc will run trade ij deals when this launches just like they do when slim console launch usually.

[cleft5]

I get Sony wanting to keep the the PS4 and Neo community connected, but if they don't take advantage of the new specs than what is the point?

If games are still being designed to PS4 specs, they would be limiting the potential of this console for the sake of parity.

I am getting PSVR and if this console can make that experience better I want them to take advantage of that.

[Neonridr]

I fully understand that this is optional.

But for how long remains to be seen. Right now Sony is saying all the right words, but devs may decide that they don't want to waste their time making two versions. Or they may want to just push for the better version since they can do more.

[TFJWM]

@Neonridr "devs may decide that they don't want to waste their time making two versions. Or they may want to just push for the better version since they can do more."

By that logic developers shouldn't make games for the Xbox 1, it is weaker and the install base for it is ~1/2 of what the PS4 is now.(OG PS4 is going to have a larger install base than NEO for years...)

[darthv72]

@neon... "Those worried about fragmenting developer support can rest easy for the moment: GiantBomb's sources suggested that Sony will not allow any NEO-only games to be developed or allow the two userbases to be separated in any way."

http://arstechnica.com/gami...

[Dragonking007]

Ima all in.

[q8kik]

@Neonridr
"but devs may decide that they don't want to waste their time making two versions"

If they're forcing developers to make 60fps+ games for vr then they can also force them to make two versions of their games.

[Ju]

PC games are doing this for years. You can scale with the power you have. Same will happen for the PS4 with the "PS4 Classic" being the lowest common denominator. Assets and all will be on one disk running on either machine. Not so much more work for devs if 90% of the game remains the same.

[Cindy-rella]

My McDonald's money got me a 2016 gtr and itll get me psvr and the rumored ps4 if true. Good thing i can afford the things i want by working hard and saving my money

[Neonridr]

@cindy - sure it did :P

[Ashlen]

I'm not going to be buying it.

For $400 more I'd rather just upgrade my computer or simply save it. If I had known this was how consoles were going to go I wouldn't have even bought a PS4 in the first place.

And it's easy to see a future where the original PS4 works but plays games at like 10 FPS because the game was made for the newer model.

Bottom line, I'm just not interested in buying new consoles every few years.

[dumahim]

@Neonridr

"devs may decide that they don't want to waste their time making two versions."

It isn't two versions of the same game. Think of it like a PC game where there are graphics settings depending on how powerful your system is. That's all this is, except instead of near infinite combinations of PC hardware, there's only two.

They'll, ideally, build the game for base mode. If it runs on Neo mode, they can crank up the settings for higher res, higher framerate, better shadows, draw distance, whatever...

[NewMonday]

the only thing that stopped consoles from dong this before was fear of the user-base reset

but Sony learned from the streamlined architecture+dev-tools of smartphones that make the sames games run on multiple generations of hardware and are applying that to consoles.

those who don't see a big enough upgrade can just wait another 3 years and get the inevitable PS4 Trinity(?!)

[JamesBroski]

Current games can barely have a stable 30fps (Fallout 4, The Witcher 3, Just Cause 3), you really think that with better hardware devs won't make games worst on the original? There won't be any exclusives, but I'm sure a lot of them will be almost unplayable. Just look at the New 3DS, Hyrule Warriors on the original has really a hard time maintaining 30fps.

[Reibooi]

From what little info there is about this I would be okay with it assuming it's accurate.

If this is basically gonna be a more powerful PS4 that can run games at 60 fps or better and not have exclusives to it then ok. I would say to kinda think of it like a PC. A lower tier PC can run a game fine but a better one can run the same game on ultra. That game still works for the lower tier systems but the game will take advantage of better hardware. I think this is a good idea.

What I don't think is a good idea is doing this after the fact. This should have started with the PS4 or PS5 so consumers had a choice from the get go but now it seems as if they are being forced to buy something even though the reality is you don't need this new SKU. Basically I think there would be a lot less backlash if Sony did this at the start of this gen instead of half way into it.

Still the idea of maybe being able to play Bloodborne at 60 fps makes me excited. But I guess we have to just wait and see what comes out of E3.

[Kleptic]

yeah, this is not as big of a deal as many are making it out to be...there has yet to be an official announcement on any of the real details, but if the hardware upgrade specs are correct:

It appears to basically be using something around an underclocked R9 280x. It has a few extra CU's, but is down about 250mhz from the desktop version 'performance' models...That is a safe current mid range card for 1080/60fps with mostly high game settings (that completely depends on a lot of factors, though)...and that is with DX11.x, which has far more overhead than the PS4's api...

So, overall...its definitely a card capable of 1080/60fps in the PS4's case...this should FINALLY make that a platform minimum...

but, that is about all it will do...Its not so much more powerful that it will result in developers having to make completely new assets and content from the ground up...it'll just burn through current gen games much more efficiently...and making a title scalable between a pair of hardware configurations is almost nothing...

Lastly, I would highly suspect Sony will have some options for an upgrade...maybe a discount, or a trade type thing, etc...but people can't have it both ways...if you want to be an early adopter, its the risk you take...everyone interested in hardware was very much underwhelmed with the specs of even the ps4 (let alone the competition) if they had any idea how that stuff works...Offering a much more competitive machine mid gen like this at around the original console price is a great move imo...the only alternative was a far shorter generation overall...

[Gwiz]

Why wouldn't you want exclusive content at some point in time though?to just have better versions of PS4 games?I don't even think there's that much games out there to justify this purchase,aside from VR maybe to those having an interest in the new hype.

Wouldn't this be exactly like upgrading a PC?i have tried to use multiple reasons and angles to justify this beyond having a HDMI 2.0 support for 4K but i can't find that many reasons.Unless of course you don't own a PS4 already.to those people it seems a great deal. (I probably would've felt the same way just still not changing the fact that the 8th gen games so far do not really impress me that much)

[Yetter]

Until developers start to target the PS4.5 and the PS4 verision is just barely passable. This already happened this generation with the new 3DS and Hyrule warriors. That game is basically unplayable on the original 3ds

[WelkinCole]

If there are two versions a base version and a Neo version as they say will

1. Cost more for devs not just money but time. Someone will have to pay for that.
2. Will most likely slow down the rate of games being dev meaning longer wait for gamers.
3. Having two versions of games will not allow the dev to fully optimise for one hardware. This is similar to multip plat devs that normally don't take full advantage of the console like with 1st party.

This is why I fear this route. I am not sure why Sony is trying to fix something that is not broken.

[Captain_TomAN94]

@cleft5

They can easily take full advantage of the new specs while not compromising the experience of the OG PS4 (And vice et versa)

The current PS4 generally runs games well at 1080p @30 FPS. The new one is called the PS4K - and so it will run games at 1080p@60, 1440p+@30, or even 4K for lesser games.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@EXT- pretty much what I've been saying since these rumors even started. Many people were not taking into account that a better running platform would not necessarily mean exclusive games as on PC we don't have games that are exclusive to gpus or exclusive to CPUs or anything like that you just have updates to fit your specific configuration.

last generation we had multiple SKUs for those platforms yet games were still able to run on them, this is no different.

To those saying what's the point if no one's taking advantage of the graphical effects, the point is to not fragment the install base isn't that what many have been crying about in the first place? The point of the new hardware is to have the base as the PlayStation 4 and to have the 4.5 only be used to raise frame rate and resolution and other visual effects.

That is actually how that works on PC that is why console games will run better on certain PC builds because those games have been made using lower targets thus on any higher PC build by default it will always run better simply because it was not created specifically, exclusively to run on that build. If you want to know why many PC games on certain gpus will run better than their console counterparts this is why...

In order to have the performance in terms of frame rate and resolution by default always better the games will always be made using the base of the PlayStation 4 not the 4.5. The 4.5 specs are not to make the game there merely to make the game better after being finished.

[NukaCola]

People buy $600 phones every 18 months. This is not a new console, just a higher spec'd old one. It's mostly for VR to have a better experience wince it does need the highest tech. If you don't want it, then don't buy it. If you just got a PS4, well it is the same if you buy a phone or PC and a new one comes out a week later. Sorry about your luck. I see it as a choice, not mandatory not a NEW 3DS.. It's odd, but not the end of the world.

[Kyizen]

@Neonridr That's not how development works. The game assets they use are huge and well above what a console can handle, then they scale it back till they get the frame rate and resolution they want, A good example is lets say an explosion with a lot of particle effects causes the frame rate to dip from 30 fps to 25 fps, they will scale it down so they can lock the fps at 30, however the PS 4.5 won't need this extra work as they can leave the effect as is due to the slightly higher processing power.

[Drithe]

NO exclusive features or content? Then why make it in the first place? Because they dont want to have to come down on the price down the road? Maybe?

[N4GDgAPc]

Why does everyone think there going to upgrade the graphics card? What the ps4.5 will be is smaller gpu/cpu to lower cost. Then have capabilities to play 4k UHD bluray disks. Stream anything that can do 4k like netflix and maybe upscale where it will upscale everything like ps4 games. I just bought a Samsung 4k bluray player that connects to my receiver where I bypass it to upscale everything to 4k. Got no movies yet for it but I got it for Deadpool movie which is coming out in 4k UHD. I was mad that Star Wars VII decided not release a 4k version. I'm waiting hoping they do. Because I garenteed it was filmed in 4k

[conanlifts]

The only issue could be ( pure speculation so it might not be a problem) if they release an improved game for a new ps4 and people find it barely playable on the old one. Imagine if it was taxing enough so it dropped to 5-10 fps constantly. That would be my concern. Of course they could use fully scalable development tools allowing them to scale the resolution and effects to whatever is required such as 720p with no shadows etc.
In this case its perfectly fine. Bare in mind an upgraded ps4 may also come with a much bigger price.

[bouzebbal]

In case this PS4 upgrade exists, i need to see exactly what it has to offer compared to the existing.
tbh if 4K gaming is the only thing it will provide, i am not ready to buy it atm because i do not have a 4K TV and i am not planning on getting one before i am sure it will become mainstream (unlike 3D).
It wouldn't make sense that it has games developed especially for this PS4K, but as far as VR support goes i can see exclusive PS4K VR support for some more demanding games.

[Unspoken]

Sony knows their VR solution is underpowered and underwhelming no matter what the fanatical support from their fan base states.

Oculus and Vive will have ever increasing graphics capabilities throughout their lifespan due to the upgrability of PCs.

This appears as a desperate move to sale more units at the expense of alienating their current installation base with inferior hardware.

[DragonKnight]

"All games must to current levels of performance on the current model just will have optional better graphics/frame rate etc on the new model/higher resolution."

if you believe that, you're naive.

[Nightmar3Demom]

If Sony doesn't want everyone even those who already purchased a PS4 to buy one then why would they make and sell one?

[mamotte]

Yeah, but there's a major problem lying behind a "then don't buy it". For example, and being totally honest, being a PS fan I still don't own a PS4. The reason being that's always sure there will be a slim model, a bit cheaper and I'll buy it with more then one or two games. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who actually think this way. Now, if a cosmetic change can make people to make the choice of not buying a console at launch, what will make the "there'll be a more powerful mid-season console" mindset?

"Oh, PS5. But we all know there will be a PS 5,5, a but more powerful. Let's wait two years. You don't have to buy it".

It's not a natural evolution of a console cycle. It'll end up by predating itself.

[superchiller]

@ Neonridr - As pointed out by extermin8or, no one is forcing you to buy an upgraded PS4, why do you feel the need to complain about it? I think it's a great OPTION (not requirement) for people who want a boost to the existing PS4 console, and a great idea. It seems like the people complaining about this upgraded model just aren't thinking things through very well, and are just complaining for no good reason.

[Neonridr]

so when exclusive content does release because devs don't want to waste time and money making 2 different versions.. you will start to see my way.

Right now it all sounds rosy. But this could be setting a precedent. What if Sony decides to be more like Apple and release a yearly machine instead? Still think this is a good option?

I am not complaining for the sake of complaining.

Console gamers used to make fun of PC gamers because of the continual need to upgrade whereas console gamers had a machine set in stone for the entire generation. Guess that argument is going out the window since consoles are going to be more like PC's moving forward.

[TFJWM]

@Neonridr "Console gamers used to make fun of PC gamers because of the continual need to upgrade"

But if the OG PS4 plays all the games the same as it would have before/after NEO came out why do people NEED to upgrade?

"so when exclusive content does release because devs don't want to waste time and money making 2 different versions"

There isn't some big change in the hardware, its all the same running at slightly faster speeds. As for why they would do a second slightly different verison would be because the OG PS4 install base is still going to be big, I mean it is ~2x the Xbox One why wouldn't they make the game work for it...by your logic no multiplat game should even bother with the One

[NightKing]

@Neonridr

I agree which is why I think the no exclusive content clause is vital for this to work. Sony has the ability to approve what games can be sold on their consoles so this could work in theory.

Consoles don't sell anywhere near enough to where they can release them yearly. They also don't sell for much of a profit like iphones do. So i don't see this becoming a yearly release.

The console argument doesn't really go out the window. I think it just changes. The standard for all games created for the ps4 will be the base version of the console with an upgraded version that runs the games better.

[Thatguy-310]

I think it's more so the fact that people feel the need to upgrade to not have the inferior product. I honestly don't see Sony making exclusives for it. The system will just have games that perform better than the OG PS4 version. I'm buying it since I usually by the slim models every life cycle so let's see how this turns out.

[Kleptic]

@thatguy 310, exactly. PC upgrades were only ever 'needed' to get the most out of the game, until you got to a generational shift where dated hardware simply wouldn't load it...which is no different than consoles to begin with.

PC has always struggled with optimization, but always excelled at choice...This upgraded PS4 could potentially be the first time a console hardware company finds an acceptable middle ground...pay a little more, run the games better...save a little money, and compromise performance...the PC market has never been able to balance that very well, even though that is what's written on the box...

the only negative is that early buyers of consoles are now kind of confused that this unsustainable safety bubble of having a single device running state of the art games for 8 years...is dying...

[rainslacker]

I can sum it up without complaining.

Basically, it ushers in a mentality of cross-gen ports being the norm.

Since publishers have shown the cross gen port mentality is little more than an afterthought to avoid losing sales to the older generation, and put as little effort into them as possible, it's not something I look forward to. On top of that, the "next gen" ports are usually nothing better than visual upgrades, with some performance gains which have nothing to do with game design....so again, it doesn't foster a sense of trying to exceed with what's given, but rather forces devs to design their games around the old hardware, and do as little as possible to support the newer hardware, because graphics are all that matters for the newer hardware.

[kneon]

@Neonridr

If doesn't matter what devs want, Sony will mandate that all titles must support the original PS4 for some number of years.

I predicted that this is how this gen would go before it even launched, it's the obvious way to go now that they are x86 based. We'll get an updated console every 2-4 years that will be fully backwards compatible. Devs will need to target the old gens along with the new gen.

But Sony needs to make an official statement when they announce the updated PS4 that the original PS4 will be supported for x years after it's production ends. That will make sure that the more cost sensitive consumers won't be afraid to buy the old PS4.

[yomfweeee]

@super. If the devs poorly optimize the base version and focus more on the Neo version.... isn't that something we should worry about?

[Sevir]

@Neonridr

THe documents in the leak states that the ONLY NEO version games will have over "Base" PS4 games is Better Frame rates, better graphics and higher resolution...

We see this kind of thing now with PS4 vs XBO with Devs optimizing engines and games to support the PS4 simply because its more powerful, where games on PS4 typically get higher resolution and higher more stable framerates and some improved graphical assets over the XBO counter parts...

Sony's policy apparently mandates that Base PS4 games will remain and perform as they always do, while Neo PS4 games must exceed...

So perfect example. given current limitations of Base PS4... a multiplatform game like Battlefront... a developer making the game for 3 platforms now
XBO: 720p 60fps unlocked- - PS4: "base" 900p 60fps unlocked - PS4 "Neo" with its 2.3TFlops of performs should be optimised to run at 1080p and perhaps 60fps locked with better graphic assets, higher res textures and better lighting and particle effects more inline with the PC.

There WILL BE NO Neo exclusive Games or Game features that fragment the two versions... all this is a PS4 that has more umph to make games look even prettier, shiner and more stabler and by the looks of it, games can be patched, which means existing games like say Uncharted 4 which would be patched to Neo standards would LOOK and PLAY better because ND could theoretically use HIGHER resolution assets and afforded by the CPU and GPU upgrades as well as the memory.

Given that i have my PS4, if this new One is going to launch this year and be priced at $400, I dont mind trading in my current one and getting a PS4 Neo.

Before we all jump to conclusions tho, why dont we wait for Sony to come out and confirm it all in June... They are having a DEVCON summit next month where this will be discussed i'm sure by then more information will leak and give us better insight

[Mr_Writer85]

It may not be forced but it's shitting on those who don't want the upgrade.

I will now have an inferior version of game than someone who owns a PS4 Neo.

And yet I will be paying the same price for that game.

That is shitty.

If this was a PS5, a totally different console, with a significant upgrade on hardware PS4 games would go down in price, just like PS3 games did.

But since it's not a new console, they can get away with not lowering the price.

So again whilst it's not forced, those who don't upgrade get the shit on.

[Edito]

The point is, this move is new to Sony family and we know that in the very end the old PS4 owners will be screwed and left with no option, Sony never did this and by doing this it will create a precedent, how can they divide the PS4 user base and keep fairness? The way i see it they shouldn't bring a new console they should take advantage of they advantage in the gaming arena and i don't doubt the developers would embrace if they keep it real with gamers who made the PS4 what it is now, they don't need to make everything to have the more powerful console on the market we need the better games, they are in love with developers this time around and Nintendo with the more powerful console will have to win them over... i will by if they release NEO but i really think they should focus on the PS4 has it is because power don't translate to better gaming experiences (most of the times)

[UltraNova]

I don't get why Sony needs to do this since they have won everything that matters this gen and they keep gaining momentum... Why fragment your user base when you are well ahead?

These leaks mention that they[Sony] will enforce parity of content, but who in their right mind believes that devs will actually take the time to develop the whole game and optimize it for the OG ps4 and then port to the PS4K (not to mention the xbox and PC) you know the only right way to do this. I mean look at all those bad PC ports we have now and tell me you actually believe they'll do their best on essentially 4 platforms now or even 5 if the xbox one.5 is true as well when they wouldn't bother with 3!!

Then there's the fact (concerning those who already own a ps4) that a new Nintendo console is coming and if they return to form(N64) I will buy one as will many others...add to that the PSVR and what you have left, or rather dont have, is the cash to buy another ps4. There are asking too much off us.

Personally, I believe they should not release this in 2016; late 2017 is the smartest choice, but how do they address all these '100% true' leaks? If they don't, we might see a huge decline in ps4 sales due to people holding off for the new version.

I don't like how things are shaping up these days, and if MS joins this mid-cycle upgrade trend as well, we my friends better be ready for a new Console-iPhone age (or go back to PC gaming).

Gaming is surely becoming prohibitively expensive... I sense a major distress in the force o_O

[DragonKnight]

"As pointed out by extermin8or, no one is forcing you to buy an upgraded PS4, why do you feel the need to complain about it?"

Sony is most definitely forcing everyone to buy an upgraded PS4. This will turn out to be exactly the same as cross gen development. It will be a waste of resources for developers to make multiple versions so they just won't.

[Nibbs]

You probably have a smart phone that costs roughly the same amount as these gaming consoles and they're updated every year or two years.

If you approach gaming consoles as each year or 3 has a significant jump in performance which allows you to game with a far greater experience each time, also with some type of income to pay for technology which in the long run helps support the company you so choose, you'd be less salty and more open minded that you're part of the system wether you like it or not because you already helped prove this business plan by owning a smart phone device.

Magic.

[Neonridr]

I have a job, and a wife, and a kid, and a mortgage, 2 cars, bills, the whole nine yards. I am fully aware of responsibilities in life, so spare me your conjecture.

I don't buy a smartphone every year like many others. My phone is fine for the length of my contract or more. Why would I want to shell out a few hundred dollars to get the S7 when my S6 is perfectly fine?

And my smartphone did not cost as much as my PS4 did.

[kaizokuspy]

Mine cost $850 :( and I just wanted the big ass screen

[Volkama]

@Neondir if it doesn't bother you that Samsung released an S7 while you have an S6, why does it bother you that Sony are following a similar pattern?

[Rude-ro]

@neonridr so do you sit in smartphone articles every 6 months complaining about the newer versions? If it works fine why upgrade. That would be the new ps4 system. You will not have to upgrade because it works fine. Just like your phone. Sony is well known for their support of their systems... Why would that end?

[Bruh]

Except cellphones are a utility and a video game console is not. Making that comparison is just stupid, for one a cell-phones residual value will always be higher. That would not be the case for the crappier PS4 once the " neo" launches. Not to mention it fragments your entire user base, to one with weaker hardware. This leaves easy space for developers to optimize more on the more powerful hardware and not really bother with the weaker.

If you wanted to upgrade every 3 years to better hardware? WTF are you on consoles? lol jump to PC its the same notion with better graphics and cheaper games.

[WelkinCole]

@volkama. Because the console market is different from the smartphone market. I don't want the console market to be the same as the smartphone market.

[cyberwaffles]

But there aren't as many gamers as there are people interested in phones, or the internet, or tv. Those multimedia outlets have a much larger market than games.

[Bdub2000]

So PlayStation is basically becoming a PC designed to play games, and you can upgrade it every couple of years.

With PS NEO, there could even be tiered console levels, just like the Steam Box.

Not very innovative...

[Immorals]

Sony phones bombed because Sony released an upgrade every 6 months, which is half of the expected time before an upgrade is usually released. This would be be 3 years after launch, which is also half of the expected life time. It wouldn't be a problem if it was an add on upgrade (ala LG G5), but a whole new unit is bad for early consumers.

[Mr_Writer85]

Yeah the phone costs the same but the apps and games don't.

Simpsons tapped out doesn't have better graphics on iPhone 6 compared to 5.

My phone calls, texts, apps ect all work exactly the same.

Most phones also let you pay monthly for 2 years.

The phones improvements are not compairable to this Neo upgrade.

[Clown_Syndr0me]

@Neonridr Well said...hell im still using an S3!

[kraenk12]

It takes longer than 2 years to make games usually.

[Corpser]

Keep using your ps4, all games are required to work on it, other people want a more powerful ps4 and that really dioeant affect you

[Neonridr]

But I preordered my PSVR. If there is going to be some significant advantage to the Neo or if the base PS4 will suffer because of it, then it sort of forces my hand doesn't it?

[Rude-ro]

@neonridr for the fact we are talking about a rumor with absolutely no proof what so ever, nothing forces your hand. In fact, the best proof out there for a new console is on the Microsoft side with a patent pending and a user manual locked till after e3 soooo
If you can not afford both psvr and a new console, you buy what you do not have and save up for the other. We are talking about luxury items of life. You are not entitled and the market should not bend over for you.

Life is not that hard. Be educated.

[Nightmar3Demom]

But it does affect you. Because not only do developers have to devote extra time and resources to 2 versions of the game now but they are also required to be bundled together. There is a very legit concern that my install just got larger than it should be because a portion of the install will be used to address something that doesn't affect the hardware that I'm running and that also takes up space on my HDD.

[equal_youth]

First of you don't have to pay for a new console. Every game that will release on Ps4 will be backwards campatible which already is a good thing.

And now rethink the hole every 3 year cycle argument.
Let's say they build it all on x86 architecture that means that every game from now on will be backwards campatible. They have the chance to build a hole new ecosystem for consoles and that would be great.

Image that you can visit the same store ten years from now and you could still buy or reload all those awesome games that released over the past decade.

At first i was totally against it but the more you think about all those benefits the better it gets. And they don't even force us to do so. It's all about choice and consumer freedom.

Hopefully they pull this of the right way :)

[dumahim]

"Seriously, how will devs plan for games accordingly"

Develop game for base mode. Turn up the framerate, resolution, or other items for Neo mode. Does it run? Ship.

[mike32UK]

There is no one to blame for the XB1.5 and PS Neo's existance except gamers.

Sony released the PS3 with its incredibly powerful (albeit hard to develop for cell architecture) coupled with all amenities and a BluRay drive... People complained about the price MASSIVELY. In response to this next time around Sony went for an easier to develop for machine with mid level off the shelf parts with an extremely affordable price tag... Peole complained that both the XB1 and PS4 were not powerful enough.

Now we find ourselves with constant backlash and complaining about FPS and resolution... This is the result, the PS Neo. You have yourselves to blame. BOTH MS and Sony are trying to offer gamers what they say they want and yet when they do all they get back is a sh1tstorm of abuse.

They can't do right for doing wrong.

[ecchiless]

Is the human nature :(

[343_Guilty_Spark]

You can complain and may not like it but from a business perspective people love buying new things. Gamers will still buy base PS4s, some will upgrade, new comers will have options.Sony continues getting units into homes. I think the Neo might force Microsoft's hand sooner than they wanted. If they do launch an upgrade then they need to market it as a brand new Xbox more powerful than either the Neo or NX. They absolutely cannot use Xbox One again.

[I_am_Batman]

I don't understand why Sony of all the console manufacturers feels the need to make an upgraded console. The PS4 is selling like hot cakes. This will only unsettle potential buyers of future console generations.

I certainly won't pay another $400 for an upgraded version of a console I already own. Most devs probably won't put the extra work in to make it worthwhile. I also think that when the PS5 comes out it'll probably be able to play all the PS4 games in "neo mode" as well.

[Eonjay]

Simply knowing that Sony is enforcing backwards and forwards compatibility should be enough to calm concerns.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Comprehend what the supposed new console is, or at least read first before commenting. Then have an opinion that makes sense.

[Neonridr]

thanks for sharing. Really insightful. Since NOBODY knows what this new console is, I guess nobody can comment then right?

[Thatgrammar]

I'll say this again: There shouldn't be an upgraded PS4. Sony is releasing a VR priced similarly to a consiole. Why the fuck would they also release another console to compete with VR. People who alread have a PS4 will then have the option of a graphically supieror PS4 and PSVR. That would basically eat into the market of the peripheral they are trying to launch. This rumored PS4 should be nothing more than a "slim" model. It should probably just include support for 4K video and 4K bluray discs.

[DaveO_TZR]

You don't have to buy it. This has been said over and over again. The PS4 Neo or whatever its called isn't replacing the PS4. You don't have to buy it. You don't have to buy it. One more time, with feeling, to really drive the point home. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY IT.

[jmc8888]

We're getting ahead of ourselves. This may be a one off situation, given how weak the systems started out with compared to past history and with PSVR being launched. Maybe it's a trend. Maybe not.

Maybe it's an attempt to start a trend, and a future trend depends on how well this is received. We really don't know.

But, now they plan for two modes now. X86 means things will be similar. There really isn't going to be many differences now between console generations.

In theory they could let PS4 games play on PS5 (after the neo) games... if they wanted to. It would be like trying to play a game today on an old GTX 470 or something, but that's the situation we're in.

So for developers it's going to be more like PC, where we have various power level options, and developers can key in on 2 modes, which is still much easier then the many permutations of hardware on PC.... where they try to get the game to run if you have a 1 TFLop part, but people will cry foul if it doesn't properly use 10-15 TFlops for the high end.

For some developers who are console only, it will be harder, but then again, most of those are Sony first party and so they'll do as Sony asks them to.

We don't have to get each iteration of console. You could easily still say, you'd rather wait for the next one (if this is how it goes) in three years.

But this one makes sense with PSVR. I'm sure the PSVR would work with a PS4, but it should work better with the PSVR. This of course then puts these people in place for a Vive or Rift, since if you are going to buy a PSVR and PS4 Neo, one can say you might just buy a Vive if you have a capable PC.

But you are also looking at it from a certain perspective, and not looking at it from the broader one. Most people aren't early adopters. These people will now have a much cheaper PS4, and then a much cheaper Neo to upgrade to, and then a cheaper PS5, etc, etc. For the budget conscious gamer this is actually a good thing. It could give them a low price option every 3-4 years to upgrade to.

You also forget about people who buy multiple systems. Whether for family use, or for some other reason. Now these people will be getting an upgrade model instead of the same thing.

Will it suck for us early adopters. Sure, in a sense. We're being asked to pay $399 or whatever twice as often, and that does suck... so we'll just have to pick and choose what we upgrade to and when. It'll take some willpower, but it can be done.

But on the flip side, we'll probably get better deals then the $20 some people got for an OG Xbox 360, because it was so ancient. So trade in deals will likely net you far more for a launch PS4 then a launch 360/PS3.

One thing it also does is try to keep you in a specific ecosystem. Many people buy a PS4 and XB1 and even a Wii U. By giving gamers a reason to upgrade, limits will be reached. You will be much less likely to buy an XB1 if there is a PS4 Neo to buy that's much better.

I also think this is a way to stave off competition from Nintendo's new console. In that sense it's quite ingenious, and they couch that with a legitimate rational that a PSVR could utilize it.

But they really need to include a UHD blu ray with it. Holding that back would be moronic. It really isn't much different, it's the same blu ray, and the processing power to run it is built into the PS4 itself. It's not like they are trying to subsidize the cost of creating a smaller wavelength laser like they did with bluray.

There's positives and negatives overall. But I can see the need from Sony's perspective.

[jmc8888]

You also have to understand that this intersects with four of their technologies.

PS4
UHD Blu ray (and getting people into that format and higher priced discs)
PSVR
4ktv's

All of this creates a better synergy from their perspective. You will then have a reason to buy any or all of these things. PSVR will help justify a PS4 Neo, or vice versa. If it has UHD playback, that gives you reason to buy a 4ktv. (and again also keeping you in their ecosystem and away from Microsofts and out of Nintendo's NX).

It's good and bad for us, but from Sony's perspective this makes a bunch of sense. As has been noted, at least we have a choice, and they aren't segregating things behind one or the other in terms of content.

[uth11]

It now will take longer to make games than it will to release consoles!

If anything, this has it backwards. When technology is young you should want more frequent refreshes. Now that it's reached a point where things look photorealistic, and you need a magnifying glass to see graphical differences between platforms, we should need less frequent upgrades, not more frequent!

[Captain_TomAN94]

I just don't get why you people don't understand that you DON'T HAVE TO BUY IT. All current games, and all future PS4 games will work on your existing device.

There are no drawbacks.

Now that consoles use a standard architecture, it just makes sense considering it is actually cheaper to upgrade the hardware. In fact the PS3 CPU STILL costs the same or more to make than the PS4's - and that is why we will never see a $100 PS3.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Some of the post on here are evident that many either don't game on PC or don't fully understand the concepts of development on that platform.

Publishers have been working with multiple configurations for years they are already making multiple versions of games by default they're already doing that do you guys not get that games are made in different languages?

That they're made for different platforms? So why on Earth wouldn't they make a game that takes advantage of a piece of Hardware when it could be done merely by an update?

They're not going to make two games they're just going to make one game yet have the ability for it to run better on another piece of Hardware that is how it's done on PC. I theorized long ago that the PlayStation 4.5 would merely just some update that made the game Run better you're still purchasing the same damn game, do you really think that people that game on PC have hundreds of choices of the same game based on their setups?

Really deeply think about what you're saying folks... what I'm trying to say and what it's clear many others are trying to say is that PlayStation 4.5 is no different than a new GPU released within a generation.

If I have a PC and my friend upgrades his GPU we could still be playing the same games that have different setups. We are not buying two different SKUs of the same game it's just that our configurations are different.

[starchild]

Well said. It really does seem some people don't understand how this works. Getting 60fps instead of 30fps requires almost no extra effort on the part of devs. And even if the improvements include a few other exclusive graphical features it still won't require a large amount of effort. Multiplat devs are already doing those things for the PC versions anyway.

[pcz]

it sounds messy. i chose to be a console gamer especially because there is no grey area- you simply put the game in and play. no stress

seems like those days are over.. when did console gaming become so complicated?

[_-EDMIX-_]

@PCZ- I have no clue what you're talking about. if anything when it they be making this more simple? You are not doing the upgrading yourself you're not going in opening up the platform and putting better Parts. they're merely making another option which is already upgraded.

[dreadz74]

Honestly I am excited for this I have 2 Ps4 one @ the office I will sell this one now and put it towards new version. With remote play on Pc and my Ps vita I can still play @ the office so no worries. Honestly both consoles are pretty weak when they can't do 1080p 60fps in every game so update is needed to move gaming forward. I suspect new version will do 1440p upscaled to 4k and for 1080p sets it will be 1080p super sampled @ 1440p.

[starchild]

I think this will mostly be about doing 60fps instead of 30fps.

[Knushwood Butt]

Nintendo fans seem to be OK with it.

[Xb1ps4]

It's not a bad idea although I would prefer a beast of a console like an elite status over a slight boost in performance. let the ps4 be the entry level and then have an elite level, Sony...... Go big or go home.... I don't only want 4K video give me 4K gaming!

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Xb1- You might feel that way and that's completely fine but they still have to conduct a reasonable business they need to have something that clearly marketable.

[Kyizen]

Why do you have to buy it, please explain??

[Fin_The_Human]

Anyone know how I can switch back to the old site?

I am on a smart phone.

This beta site is horrible and can't stand it.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Fin- lol you'll get used to it pretty quickly I got used to it in maybe less than an hour.

[wsoutlaw87]

The comments are definitely harder to follow

[starchild]

I think it's a great idea. It should allow my PS4 games to be brought up closer to the level I'm used to on PC. It's optional and there is no reason to assume any of the doomsday scenarios will come to pass.

Looking at the rumored specs it seems Sony is definitely angling this at being able to run PS4 games at 60fps instead of 30fps. The fact the RAM amount hasn't increased (although the bandwidth has) seems to indicate that running 1080p PS4 games at 4k resolution isn't really what they're going for.

Also, the fact the GPU is nearly exactly twice as powerful as the one in the PS4 is a strong indication that the new hardware is designed to run the same games at twice the framerate. Framerate scales linearly with performance. Double the framerate requires double the hardware power. Higher resolutions like 4k will not scale linearly like that. And the rumored GPU in the new console will not be sufficient to run PS4 games at 4k resolution in most cases.

So we can likely expect it to give us double the framerate and maybe a few other improvements like better anti-aliasing. For me this is quite desirable.

It will require minimal effort on the part of devs, but will provide tangible benefits for those that want them.

[Trez1234]

I really don't like this move from Sony.

[ooquis]

People tend to forget quickly. Sony always had the vision to build a powerful console that would last 5-7 years(ps3). The problem you face is pretty simple. If folks are willing to fork out lets say 599$ for a console from the get-go, then i'm sure sony could develop a monster console that could last the intended years. But folks want to game cheap(myself included). I bought a decent gaming pc for 800$ 2 years ago, it's outdated already. Imagine what Sony could deliver if they knew they had a budget of 800$ for a console?

And whats the point having a powerful system and your competition is under powered? The developers want to maximize profit thus going multiplat. Either way, the more powerful console will always have to compromise. Then the owner of the better console would feel robbed....Like the Master Race, always getting console ports.

I think Sony had to go cheap from what they learned last gen. But hay what do i know!

[paulomoreira]

yeah and then fanboys will fight because ps do 4k 60fps and xbox only 4k 55fps :)

[wsoutlaw87]

You really think it takes the devs a lot of extra time to scale up for a marginal upgrade with almost the exact same architecture? You probably think it takes them 5 years to make a pc game that works on different pcs then too, right?

[Perjoss]

You don't have to buy every console they release, there will be PS4 games coming out for many years to come.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Glad to help with your rant.

[WellyUK]

You might as well buy a pc if this is whats going to happen.

[Cuzzo63]

Nope... Still wont buy a PC.

[ginsunuva]

k

[Benjammin25]

Um...why? I've spent a small fortune on PS4 games. Why would I want to get rid of my library so I can get a PC? Especially since my games will still work on this better hardware.

[Saryk]

Can your Sony play PS1, PS2, and PS3 games?

[uth11]

I would still have my PS4 and library, I just won't buy any more Sony consoles and start buying games on PC again instead

[Night99]

Because PC games are anyways cheaper than on consoles and you get free online multiplayer and modding support for every game plus even alwasys get a better version with better graphics, resolution and FPS of any game than on consoles and the games you buy on PC are always backwards compatible, they are infinitely backwards compatible every newer PC you buy still can play your old games you bought on steam. There are a lot of damn good reasons if you ask me.

[yomfweeee]

@night, PC games aren't cheaper when you consider selling/trading

[ginsunuva]

No one said you have to get rid of your library. Jeez people twist logic so poorly these days. Back in my day, people used proper, stealthy fallacies.

[Kryptix]

@yomfweeee

PC gaming can be considered cheaper if you look into sites like G2A and GoG.

For example, if you go to G2A now, (try it) you can find Fallout 4's Season Pass for under 35 dollars when on console, it's about 50.

You've just saved 15 with that. 3 more deals like that and you can get yourself a new game with the money you saved.

I also literally bought Dark Souls 3 on G2A for 50 on release day.

If you want to disagree, than you're literally not smart shopping. Sure, buying a PC can be expensive, but the things you can do with it offsets the price. Play any old game at higher graphics settings for example, with mods that drastically improve graphics. This way, those games look a generation newer. One thing I did was play Ocarina of Time with a high res texture mod. Amazing experience to see it become more beautiful.

There's a new one, but I used this old HD texture pack on it a few years ago:
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[yomfweeee]

@kryptix, Yes, you're right for DLC. You can rarely get a discount on DLC for consoles. But I was referring to physical media. You can get any new game for $48 or less easily. You can turn around and sell it and get back most of your money if you don't hold onto it forever.

Personally what I do is wait until I can get a game for $30 through some deal. Play it and beat it, sell it for $20-$25. It cost me about $10 in the long run.

[Bnet343]

Lol I was thinking the same exact thing. If you're going to make my console obsolete every few years, I rather just spend the money on a PC rig and get the better graphical versions of whatever game. I can understand doing a slim or something like that. But now my console won't even run the game at it's best wtf? You're basically calling the PS4 a PC...

[eferreira]

Please explain how it's obsolete?

[equal_youth]

I don't own a console for the sake of not having to upgrade it once in a while. I own the console for the exclusives sony delivers.

[WellyUK]

How is this any different to upgrading your PC every few years? Surely the reason people by consoles is to have parity and have exclusives combined with the low buy in and ease of use?

Now your going to have 2 separate systems on the same network with different specs where one is better than the other yet according to this article there isn't really any point in the upgrade as nothing is going to be better on it. To me this just seems completely pointless as your buying new hardware and getting no benefits...

It's like buying a high end rig and only playing CS or dota on it. Pointless.

[WeAreLegion]

This industry isn't like anything else. These manufacturers have to adapt to changes in other parts of the industry. I don't want a new console every year, but upgraded every 3 years? Why not? So long as they're not ridiculously priced and developers don't hang owners of older models out to dry, I'm fine with it.

[yeahright2]

We're coming up on year 3 and Naughty dog still hasn't released a new game for this gen.

[Oschino1907]

6 months before year 3 and they will have released a new game...

[equal_youth]

As long as Sony makes the rules it is clear that they have to deliver for both consoles. Ps4 and Ps4 Neo. They make the rules and somehow i find this route very very appealing.

Damn i like how that sounds: PS4 NEO ^^ they really must love the Matrix over there :D

[Ju]

Actually, should give you a better resale value. Nothing wrong with a PS4 to trade or sell to upgrade.

[equal_youth]

I'm sure most game retailers will think about something or are already preparing for that.
But i guess Sony will do something similar.

[uth11]

Ever since I bought my PS4, I've been told to wait and the great PS4 exclusives would come. So finally this year it looks like we will be getting a significant number of them, we will suddenly be told we need a new PS4 to play them they were meant to be played?!?!

Sorry, that's BS

[_-EDMIX-_]

Why? Because you've known Sony to Never released a new version of a platform? How old are you?

If the rumors are true this doesn't even affect you as their stating there will be no exclusive specific to the version of the PlayStation 4.

So basically you're mad other people get to play something at better frames? So you would have felt better if no one got that right?

Sad....

[mamotte]

It wont be a ridiculous price, but it wont be cheap neither, since it'll be about the same price as a PS4. It doesn't matter how they sell it, It's a new console -basically- not an "upgrade" of the one you have.

[URNightmare]

My wallet is ready!

[Next_gen_2015]

Lame , sony can get bent!

[Bolts]

How is this lame that his wallet is ready? Mine is too. Stay with your PS4 peasant edition if you like but I want the best console for my games.

[MRJefferson]

My wallet is ready too to buy food.

[Whirlwind_Fanfare_08]

LOL

[LuckyChamCham]

People are whining too much about this. If you guys want consoles to live on, this is the only way tbh
They're already way underpowered and you all know it so stop complaining.

[DragonDDark]

My friend bought a ps4 just 2 months ago. He should be happy right?

Some people are buying the ps4 today too.

[LuckyChamCham]

Well you don't have to buy it, they're not alienating anyone :/

[Dragonking007]

Yes because he ll have a better chance at trading it in for a new one for a better price difference, unlike others who have had it for 2 or 3 years.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Would he be upset if a slim version released? Who cares bud? that's the stupidest first world problem I've ever heard so you're upset because you purchased before the release of something else? So we should all just never get anything new due to that?

They are not putting Fox die in ps4, 4.5 won't have exclusive games specific to that version. If someone is upset because something better will exist for more money why are they even purchasing a console in the first place? Go out spend two grand and buy yourself a supercharged PC if that's your problem...

You mad new gpus release too? They shouldn't do that at all? This sounds like the stupidest form of entitlement I've ever heard in my life it sounds like spoiled brat syndrome to me lol

" I just got the Galaxy S 7 and now I hear Samsung's making a Galaxy S 8, JUST GREAT, damn Samsung they promised me they weren't going to make any more money and I would be the only one with a phone now others get to have a better phone too" does that even sound like a logical consumer? Is that even of a concern to a damn company?

Someone seriously tell me that they're not this slow....

[I_am_Batman]

You can't be serious. The PS4 is selling extremely well and shows no sign of slowing down. How is this nessessary for consoles to survive? If anything it'll harm the console business more than it'll help it. I can definately see people hesitating on buying future console generations early in their life-cycle because of the potential of an improved version later on.

It's never a good thing to irritate your loyal customers. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Did we not get slim versions? New iterations of consoles is nothing new the industry is very much used to this and a custom to this.

You don't think they were tears from Bratz about the slim version releasing after they bought the fat version? You don't think they were little entitled kids in tears and in their emotional feelings when the Elite 360 released and they just bought the pro version? Are you seriously telling me that this consumer base matters that much?

Yet here we are in a successful gaming generation, last generation we had multiple skus and iterations of consoles I don't ever see that changing and I'm not sure why you even think this is a brand new thing the only difference is to the degree of power it's actually not to the concept of having a better version.

The new versions releasing do not have games that are exclusive to them thus the install base is still going to be the exact same base of players playing the same games.

I'm pretty sure you knew there was going to be a new version of the PlayStation 4 regardless of what its knickknacks or power levels or whatever was going to be. I'm sorry but I'm not going to sit there and tears pouting like a damn child for three years without any new generation console because they're releasing a more powerful version..

Okay with that stupid childish logic you might as well skip the whole generation and wait for PlayStation 5 is that not going to be better than 4? Well here's a better idea skip that generation and wait for PS6 now you're saving money bud, because now you get to skip both and get the real powerful one.../s

Mature yourself, humble yourself, and logically purchase what you want. I game on many platforms from console to PC and I could tell you gaming on PC is very humbling simply because you're purchasing what you want to play the games how you feel like playing them never mind what other setups other people have, that's irrelevant to your setup, if you could mature yourself enough to understand that you could look past this as this whole concept of keeping up with the Joneses with consoles.

It doesn't make sense you're never going to have the latest and what is it even giving you personally to even have other people not have an upgradable option? It sounds emotional and irrelevant to most consumers as all it sounds like is there some entitled Elite consumers that just want everyone else to have the same experience. Yet how is that relevant to the company? How is that relevant to the consumers that will pay for better performance if available?

So you're just mad that someone else could pay to get something better and you're left with some lesser status or something?

Dude this should have ended when you saw the rumor from several sources stating the version was not having its own games. To still be upset means it's not about lacking games or getting less support it simply being salty that someone else can buy a more powerful PlayStation 4. I'm a day-one PlayStation 4 owner and I'm telling you I do not care....

They could do the same thing with PlayStation 5 3 years after lunch and I'm telling you even with knowing that I'm still buying a PlayStation 5 day 1. I am a gamer first and when it's available that's what I want the game I could care less that someone else is getting something better in 3 years I'm not so damn poor that I can't afford such an option gaming is an expensive Hobby bud, I can afford it, sorry you can't.

[I_am_Batman]

@Edmix: I seriously don't know how your post has anything to do with mine at all. The fact that you decided to compare it to the slim version of consoles shows to me that you're trying really hard to make it look like an insignificant new sku ignoring the fact that this is an entirely different situation that'll have a much bigger impact on consumer trust and game development.

You cleary took a stance in your comment to defend the PS4 neo calling people with legitimate concerns childish and illogical whiners. It's quite ironic that you're telling me to mature and humble myself. Maybe you should take your own advice and look at things from a neutral point of view instead of taking sides and only seeing black and white.

You can believe me when I tell you that I have no interesst in the PS4.5 whatsoever. I've been gaming on multiple platforms all my life and I certainly don't need you to tell me about PC gaming. As much as you want to believe that my scepticism towards a PS4.5 stems from jealousy towards the people that will get one I can assure you that that's not the case here.

Next time you reply to me, make sure you reply to what was written, not what you wanted to read.

[yomfweeee]

Oh please, this gen was off to a faster start than any previous. Consoles were in no danger of dying out.

PS4 can output graphics as good as 90% of the gaming PCs in consumer hands. Hardly anyone actually has a powerhouse gaming PC.

Uncharted 4 will look better than any PC game. The next Naughty Dog game will look even better.

[s45gr32]

My 6 year old PC plays games at PS4 level lol. Today's PCs are way ahead of what the consoles are capable of

[s45gr32]

Cloud Computing is the future of consoles this upgradeable majingy makes console gamers hypocrites for criticizing PC gamers upgrading their rigs

[XanderZane]

I'm not shelling out another $400 for a slightly upgraded PS4. It would really have to have a huge upgrade for me to make the jump. I could care less about 4K right now since I don't even own a 4K HDTV and don't plan on getting one for at least another 3-4 years from now. My wallet is closed until we get a lot more info and a price for this PS4.5 (Neo).

[Imortus_san]

This means all those crappy and shoppy games that run a 40fr and had frame rate issues will now work at 60fr steady, and online gaming will be bad because if you are playing at 40fr and the other is playing at 60fr them there is a major advantage to those that have the superior model, that defeats the porpuso of console gaming.

[danny818]

not excited about that. Definitely not going to support. Ima start looking into pc gaming now honestly

[jokerisalive]

This is either gonna blow up in Sony's face and divide the population or its going to give them even more success....flip a coin why dont we??? All this will do is make people want to upgrade over time and Sony knows that cuz everyone will want to have the newer better hardware eventually even if they are denying it right now cuz they dont want an 'upgrade' or shell out possibly 400 to 500 on this 'Neo' PS4.5.

[I_am_Batman]

I really don't see 40+ million of people upgrading by any stretch of the imagination. They'd be lucky to get 10% of that. The majority of gamers have a hard time to justify spending $400 on a brand new console let alone a slightly more powerful version of a console they already own.

Also keep in mind that using the better hardware to it's full potential will mean additional work for devs. I'm sure a lot of devs will settle to only put the bare minimum of work into upgrading the neo version of the game. I don't think many PS4 owners will see the need to invest in a PS4neo.

[Gwiz]

Not really a need,they know though they have to be clear now about their message and not make it seem the 4K model will get anything exclusive.I'm not even sure why that's a good thing to me as a gamer.I do know that they can't really make it seem that the PS4 is the inferior product on all sides of the coin.

They basically need that 40M user base as well,so would you announce the 4K model having exclusive content?knowing you already piss people off with the system itself?I'm pretty sure this well thought out PR.

Not optimal,just the best they could.

[NightKing]

I never understood why people would fork over money to buy the slim version of the previous consoles just because it had a new look. This however is something i can get behind. Now i just need a reasonable price point and a good trade in program for my old ps4 and i'm sold.

People have been complaining about games running at subpar 30fps this whole generation. Well this is your solution people.

[xander70769]

Exactly. This is a way better idea than just releasing a "slim" version of the same console. Plus, it's really not that uncommon to have to buy a replacement console at some point, or perhaps my experience with the xbox 360 has conditioned me to believe that... in any case this is a nice option, and it IS optional. My only concern is that devs don't rely on this new console for specs... games need to still be up to par on original console specs, and it defeats the purpose of this new one if they go out of their way to push its limits...

[Nightmar3Demom]

Apparently Sony learned nothing from Sega

[PokemonMaster]

Sorry, The Genesis had like 5 add-ons than the Saturn launched like a year later. This is nothing like that. You don't lose anything from not upgrading, not like the New 3DS even.

[Nightmar3Demom]

I disagree. It's everything like that. People get too confused too easily. Keep it simple.

[Gwiz]

Sega had a good idea,the Dreamcast but it was too late.

This is not really the same though,Sega made their add-ons with specific reasons to have exclusive content for that piece of hardware from the start.Sony on the other hand is not doing that or better said not admitting that they can't really make that promise.In any case,much smarter as what Sega did.

[DragonDDark]

I think this idea has its goods and bads.. Mostly bad for people who bought the ps4 already. REALLY bad for people who bought the ps4 just a few months ago.

[superchiller]

There will be good trade-in options from many retailers, so it won't be bad for anyone. Plus, no one is forcing anyone to upgrade in the first place, the existing PS4 model will still work just fine.

[DragonDDark]

I guess that would be a good thing if it happens. I hope so.

[joeorc]

@superchiller3h ago
[There will be good trade-in options from many retailers, so it won't be bad for anyone.]

How so?
If the price difference is just $50.00 how would you get good trade in value if the market for used gets flooded with older Sku's..

If the hardware difference is this great and only $50.00 more at a certain point the used buying store will have a surplus of older playstation 4's so ineffect Sony would also have to do a price cut on the current model of PS4 hardware on top of this doubling of the current ps4's GPU...

Do people really the pricing is going to come down that cheap on an embedded system like the PS4 this Soon? And with it being a custom altered x86 part?

Remember this is not a off the shelf part..with the upgrade GPU..and over clocking the CPU from 1.6 GHz to over 2GHz..than tweak the Ram & system Bus and the price point is only going to be $50.00 more?

Do people think engineers work for free? LMAO

with ARM holdings I could very well see that but not with a embedded x86 chipset especially from a company like AMD or Nvidia.

[threefootwang]

Really bad for 40 million + people. If they introduce a trade in program that'll reduce the frustration greatly. Still though, pretty stupid way to irritate alot of people.

[kraenk12]

Everyone kept complaining about the lacklustre performance so are you sure it's such a bad thing?!

[Officialxandr]

I was really against this at first but now, I'm definitely getting it. Gamestop will most likely have a trade in program and I'll just have to pay an extra $100 or $150, max. No one is being forced to buy it and it is not having any exclusive content. I just want to maximize my console for games.

[yomfweeee]

Some great trade-in offer like this would be the only way I would get one. And the only reason I'd even consider that is because my day 1 PS4 is getting very loud lately.

[Dragonking007]

Ive been wanting this for a long time and only because i got money ill gladly buy it at full price with no regrets, but i wont because i do have a current ps4 so ill just trade in mine lol.

[Free_Fro]

I find it difficult enough to choose between three consoles.

Now one of them is doing a slight upgrade mid-gen which I don't have a problem with. I can see others following this trend especially Microsoft.

I think it's time for me to ASCEND to Master Race status..

[loveroo10]

I'm just confused .... It will make my PS4 feel like a PS3 when the PS4 released (of course not on the same scope but it now feels like my PS4 isn't the best available), just with the same games. I don't know what to think till it releases, I think the benefits will be good but it doesn't benefit my wallet when PSVR is releasing at the same time, that is main reason for feeling a bit annoyed at this since i am not made of money. I'm just hoping that these PS4 base games don't start becoming bad ports from the higher end version :/ ... I'll need to wait and see but I will probably end up buying the new console and trading in my old one

[joeorc]

Its like there is some sort of "Manifest destiny" in gamer media about this supposed PS4.5..when Sony has really no reason to do such , when that would draw more people into Pc gaming...yes like that is exactly what Sony wants to do..oh'brother.

This defeats the very purpose of the console market..the console market is not the freaking smartphone market..or is it the PC market..those already Exist..why are the media and many gamers so hell bent on turning the console market into somthing its not?

Developers like the fact its stable hardware to develop for..it has nothing to do really with power of trying to keep up with the PC..that is completely the wrong mindset..because once again the game consoles are not Pc's..there is only one console .aker that feels that way..and its not Sony or Nintendo..

Why do you think Microsoft's trying to blur the lines between PC & Console's?

Because to Microsoft's plan its much more lucrative to do such..and the many gamers sites parroting this supposedly not even Mid term upgrade only is set to slow the sales of the current PS4.

Ask your self if the roles were reversed would we be talking about a not even mid term cycle upgrade of the xbox?

No we would be seeing more about how Siny has lost further market share and Mind share to Microsoft. Never mind the fact Nintendo last generation was the market leader.

If Sony was in Microsofts position last generation why not have a not even mid term upgrade than? But now that Sony is leading..but not just by a little amount. .but by a freaking gulf. .people really think Sony would do somthing like this when they are in such a lead?

That is a very large mistake ..why a chipset upgrade when as this story stated if its not really goung to be taken advantage of?

You only do this when its nearing the end of a support cycle..you know like a PS5..Sony is already working on the PS5 already and people really think they are going to spend even more R&D on a not even mid term cycle upgrade?

Do you think the PlayStation Subsidiary does or would not want to make money? Profits are razor thin on harware as is..the software is where the money is..there is already near or over 40 million current install base.

Taking the chance to agitate that current install base when your also trying to have thst same install base buy into VR..and you expect them in not even a full years time to than turn right around and say oh' by the way..here is a upgraded PS4 model with higher chipsets. .when Sony is still being asked by the current media and many gamers forums..Sony where is your exclusive games?

So adding more complexity to already long in the tooth "lack of AAA exclusive games" is the answer?
Have gamers and the gamer media lost their d@mn mind?

[equal_youth]

It is pretty easy at first to only look at the negatives. But Think about the benefits. Every game that released under the x86 architecture will be backwards compatible.
Most Engines are already scalable and it is not like a PC where the architecture is very different from PC to PC.
On Ps4 it still stays the same only with more or less power.

[joeorc]

Here is what they are claiming, and tgat the price point will only be $399.00 the same as the current PS4 when it furst launched barely 3 years ago?

Look at the GPU upgrade...im sorry but thats completely dream wishing if many think that is even remotely true.

Via Giantbomb..which is where they are getting this info fro in this piece..this is what giantbomb is claiming the specific difference in the system's spec's are between the two

[game is required to ship with both a “Base Mode” which will run on the currently available PS4 and a “NEO Mode” for use on the new console.

Original PS4 NEO
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]

Its one thing to say its going to have an upgrade..but its another thing to expect the company in Question to take a loss on production..you really think with just the GPU alone..that Sony is going to get it that cheap from AMD?

Even with mad level of production template speed of production per/ month on the current AMD production of current PS4 chipsets?

SONY IS PRODUCING OVER A 1 MILLION A MONTH FOR THE CURRENT PS4..AND THE OP ARTICLE STATES: KEEP CURRENT PRODUCTION WITH THIS NEW PS4.5

ADD IN PS3 , PSVITA AND R&D for PS5 and people think this is true?
PlayStation is a subsidiary of Sony ie: its a conglomerate of Subsidies all under a single playstation Subsidiary. Sony the corporation only holds the stock of PlayStation there is no public buy in on its stock..its a holding company..PlayStation is a separate corpus..thus its not a "Division" of Sony..it has to always in effect relies only on Playstation profits it generates out of the Subsidiary itself..it does not have Sony the corporation's money.

The price per the article saying that Sony would beselling at that upgrade in my opinion would be to low for the upgrade costs and Sony most likely would loose money for a couple of years.

The PS4 was sold @ profit right from the start.
the playstation VR is being sold @ profit from the start.

Why are people expecting Sony to turn around and than sell the PS4 into a loss leader..when they are already selling the system @ Profit and have been since day one? and on top of that the current market leader!

[yomfweeee]

Most devs won't put in the extra time/resources to have a "neo" version of the game.

[DrJones]

They have to. Sony will force them to do it, look it up.

[spoonard]

"Today, multiple sources have confirmed for us details of the project..."

A line like this doesn't add to your credibility. Until Sony says it, it's all bullshit conjecture. I don't even believe it's real.

[gazgriff2k12]

the ps4 and xbox 1 should of had sata 3 and 4k as standard also faster blueray and faster hdd

[jwillj2k4]

yes!! this is what we crave!! moar powa, More Powa, MOAR POWA!!!

[MilkMan]

I think Sony's thinking is that since they are the market leaders they can put out anything and the core Sony customers will buy in.
This is a mistake.
There are millions of fully functioning PS4 that do not require upgrades. Also for some it has not been 3 years since they bought the PS4, they may have just recently bought the machine. This will be an insult to the customer. Its like going back to 1980 with all the insecurity of buying hardware because once you bought it, it was obsolete.

Also, this kind of move by Sony will only give its competitors an opportunity to get a better foot hold on the market.

Customers will either not buy the hardware, buy it and now be part of the segregation or decide to go where console life is more steady.

The purpose of buying consoles over PC's is stability and longevity. This is a horrible experiment and it should wither at the vine.

[bleedsoe9mm]

this marks the end of the console generation , its low end pc boxes every 3 years from here on out .

[Tsunade]

I don't know how to feel about this. The performance upgrade is not that much to justify paying 300 if that is all that's really going to do as we don't know official information.

Maybe this is good for those who don't own a PS4 yet but for those who already have it, doesn't look like the upgrade if worthy unless they take my PS4 in trade in for the new PS4 and I only end paying like 99 then ok.

[DrJones]

99? Hah! It will cost 400 and you want them to give you 300 off because you traded in a product not even worth it by then? That's not how profits work.

[q8kik]

This new PS4 is more than capable to run games at high-max settings 60fps.

I really don't know why people are against this. This means that we will get to play games like Final Fantasy and Horizon at 1080p 60 fps.............somehow this is a bad thing lol

[Bobafret]

Or even 4k at 30fps, imagine that.

[q8kik]

No it won't even a 7TFLOPS oc'ed graphics card can't.

But 1440p is possible for the future games that we know that they're going to run at 1080p 60fps like GT or Tekken.

[Movefasta1993]

4k/30 isn't better than 1080 60

[Ipunchbabiesforfun]

If this in fact true I'll never purchase another Sony branded product in my life. Just release the good console to begin with for Christs sake

[Bobafret]

I am oversimplifying but can't the devs just make the games scalable like they do for PC? I kind of don't see a big problem here.

[Pandamobile]

It really isn't much of a change for devs that already make multiplatform games.

[DrJones]

Because there isn't one. The internet will still cry though

[WickedLester]

I think it's completely pointless. NO ONE was asking for this! Plus, why would Sony do anything to risk confusing a market they already dominate? It really doesn't make any sense.

[S2Killinit]

I don't particularly like having to buy a new console every 4 years. BUT I do think that it has become necessary in this day and age. The truth is that console industry won't survive against the onslaught of new technologies and competitors from the PC market, unless it evolves.

I will be first in line to buy a stronger PS4. But only because I believe this is the way to keep the industry and my hobby healthy and going strong in the future. And, of course, I wouldn't mind a more powerful PS4.

I just hope that the manufacturers, be it Sony or Microsoft, (or Ninty for that matter) do a good job of slowly integrating the new systems. I think the ideal is to give us a powerful machine, but don't optimize it initially to its full capacity. That way people can slowly transition into the new PS4Ks ad XboxOne1/2. Then they can slowly optimize the systems through updates to take advantage of the extra horsepower.

[LoveSpuds]

I disagree. I have a very wide circle of friends and colleagues who all play games, mostly on PS4. All bar one of them never look at gaming websites or gaming news. The average console gamer is not like you or I who spend time commenting on game forums let alone look at PC news and capabilities. They certainly arent comparing PC games against consoles.

Whether PC elitists like it or not, most people are blown away by the visuals the PS4 is knocking out and have never heard the term 'frame rate' let alone worried about it.

[S2Killinit]

Maybe. But I dont want more power for the sake of comparing it to xbox or PC gamers/consoles. I want it because better graphics can tell a story better by being more immersive. Also what I meant by my comment is that from a business/financial perspective, the "Apple" business model (which BTW im not particularly fond of) has proven to be more successful, AND with the exponencially faster advances in computing power, console manufacturers are running the risk of other companies jumping into the market (as we are already seeing/hearing although unsuccessfully as of yet) in the middle of a generation (like how amazon is rumoured to be contemplating). Therefore, console makers will be forced to update more regularly to avoid new entrants like the razor, from taking chunks out of the market. This is essentially what Apple does with their iphones, and what Nintendo has been doing with their handhelds (and now consoles with the NX)

[ocelot07]

I am all for this. But I think they should of waited for the PS5. If this is true I will most likely buy one.

We are in era where people upgrade there phones every single year. Where not talking about a £100 phone every year. We are talking about £500 iPhones.

We are also in a era where people spend hundreds and thousands of pounds on microtransactions in game. Look at FIFA people seem to think it is fine to spend hundreds of pounds on FIFA packs. But it is not ok to spend £200 (after selling old console) for a upgraded PS4 with a better GPU ect.

[Next_gen_2015]

for this? The ps4 only came out a year ago and already sony is making a more powerful model. Console are supposed to be future proof out the gate.

Obviously Sony thinks the ps4 specs are underwhelming....but that's THEIR fault for cutting back on horsepower.

We're being punished for their mistakes!

[alwayzbusi1]

I still think this is all for the psvr. Instead of manufacturing the vr processing unit, they put the extra power needed to run the social screen in the ps4 itself. These neo versions of games seem to come as an added bonus or byproduct of this cost cutting measure.

By doing this Sony is able to subsidize the cost of the vr processing unit. However this will cause even more confusion for potential vr buyers by adding yet another sku to psvr without the pu. This could be solved by simply designating the new ps4 the slim and psvr (without the pu) for the slim.

I could be wrong but this is just me trying to wrap my head around the reasoning behind this move if true. I'm thinking there will be some sort of "ohh.. that's why they did this" moment at some point.

[Melankolis]

SONY has experience upgrading console. Remember PSP 2000 has RAM twice as much as PSP 1000?. It's RAM folks!!. Was there any difference? maybe yes, but who notice?.

SONY scared us when PS4.5 rumour spreading the internet, but i don't think they are that stupid either. Even i'm thinking why SONY and MS have plan upgrading their consoles? at the same time? Because they're driven by AMD's manufacturing plan just like DF posted.

Gaming experience will be the same as possible. PS4.5 won't be positioned as an upgrade, it's more like a replacement for the current PS4 after discontinued later.

[n1kki6]

I'm all for iterative console releases, but I think everyone needs to slow down on the 4k. Although technically possible for some lighter games, the spec on the new machine will not deliver 4k 30fps for sure not 60fps on 3d world games. I hope im proven wrong, if devs can find a way to get 4k out of a $400 box in a closed environment then we all win, but I don't see it with this release.

[Sketchy_Galore]

I'm pretty sure I'm just gonna move to PC gaming. I bought a console to not have to worry about keeping up with upgrades in order to know I'm playing the games the way they were designed to be played. Obviously if this is happening now it'll keep happening and it's a ridiculous thought to buy the PS4.5 now and when the next slight improvement in tech comes along have to move onto the PS4.75 and so on. If this was a lower priced add on for the PS4 I'd consider it but I just can't get on board with slight upgrades built into new consoles, it's ridiculous.

[arkard]

My worry is that games will become much less optimized on the "classic" console vs the upgraded. No use optimizing and scratching every last ounce of power out of the "classic" console when you can just showcase the upgraded version and use the upgraded specs of the more powerful console to optimize less.

[XtraTrstrL]

Just reinforces my confidence in going full PC gaming now. Just waiting for the cpu cooler and last 2 x 200mm fans to arrive through UPS today. PS4 will just be for a few exclusives here 'n there now, and I probably won't be renewing PS+, seeing as I only got it because online is paywalled behind it.

[Free_Fro]

Agreed. I was on the fence about building a new PC but this news has made it easier. Things are changing in the console space.

A new Nintendo console is coming
Microsoft and UWP
PS4 Upgrade?
Can't keep up with all that, I want all my gaming done on one system.

[LoveSpuds]

Prepare to miss out on a hell of a lot of great games then chum, Ninty and Sony exclusives rarely turn up on PC.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

@LoveSpuds... true, but even in this day of tons of PC games coming to console there are still tons that don't and won't. If you are a fan of RTS, Turn based strategy, almost all Sim style games you 100% should be a PC gamer as the options for console gaming are very limited to say the least. And this comment is coming from someone who is a strict console gamer. PC gaming still has its merits and strengths over console imo.

[iNFAMOUZ1]

well im not buying it i like my ps4,, i would only buy it for exclusives like kh3, i doubt its true, thats suicide with investors, and public trust

[Zarock]

People making a big deal out of upgraded consoles when Iphones cost more and have a lower life cycle.
#StopBeingStingy

[Movefasta1993]

Yeah because let's just compare iphones to console gaming.

[DrumBeat]

I'm all for Sony upgrading every three years. I upgrade my smartphone every two years even though smartphones get upgraded every single year. As do TVs and most other tech items. So why is it ok for other tech products to upgrade but not consoles? If I don't want to upgrade to the PS4.5 then I don't need to as all the games are still getting made for the PS4 generation. So I can wait another 3 years until the PS5 comes out that will be a 5 to 6 year gap from when I first bought my PS4 if Sony goes for a 6 years cycle between console generations.

[jznrpg]

Hm , I will have to buy it . I think I will give my old ps4 to a under privileged child (truth)

[GamerGT]

So my take: 40 million PS4 gamers have a PS4 some where in their house hooked up to their HDTV. But now UHD TVs are out and while it's not required we have the option to finally game on with PS4 NEO. So now that we have PS4 NEO strapped to the UHD TV in the Mancave, I can keep the OG PS4 strapped to the HDTV in the bedroom for gaming before bed. No problem. This is the key though. NEO based version games need to cost the same as regular. And cross-buy should absolutely happen. They need to explain everything up front and honestly. If they do this right you shouldn't have to worry about splitting up a fanbase. Just an option to have upgraded hardware in your living room. Or if you haven't purchased a PS4 yet, PS4 NEO might be for you. This hardware should allow playing titles like No Man's Sky closer to PC spec Standards.

[Oschino1907]

The games wouldn't be differently priced because it's the same exact game. They would just have two modes they can run at. Those 2 modes could very well have adjustment options within them as well.

An example of similar options would be Scarface The World Is Yours on Ps2 that had standard output and If you had RGB component cords and an HDTV a progressive scan 480p output.

Many other games on PS2 had the same or similar options https://en.m.wikipedia.org/...

Another example would be some of the current console games that allow changing/turning on/off of certain graphical settings or locking/unlocking frames per second.

Anyway basically it's the same game, same box/disc or same download. It just has some optional settings of which certain ones require the upgraded system and for some things also a 4k tv, psvr, ect... Depending what options they give.

[DrumBeat]

Very well said, and I agree with every sentiment. The PS4 NEO could be great if Sony transitions everything properly, and, well, fairly. Games bought on NEO should also be downloaded in base PS4 version.

They'll be no concerns of splitting the fanbase if Sony plays their cards right, as they did with the PS4 release.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Interesting .... so now the PS4 literally will be holding back the PS4k machine according to this.

[q8kik]

How so?

[OC_MurphysLaw]

According to the info from Giantbomb the PS4k wont have any games or features that might be exclusive to it. It will have the exact same games and content in those games that the PS4 versions have. So even if the machine could run a game the PS4 can't it won't be allowed to.

[q8kik]

What are those games that the PS4 cant run?
Don't forget that we just got out of an 8 years long console cycle and developers are still making games for the old consoles ................why can't the PS4 be the same?

[OC_MurphysLaw]

I merely was going off the info from GiantBomb. Per their report Sony is mandating that all games for PS4.5 had to be offered on PS4 and not include any different modes, features or exclusive content. I do agree with you 100% that PS4 can still have a long lifecycle...likely will btw. I just found Sony's mandate interesting. I should also add....if we are gonna go down the rabbit hole of mid cycle upgraded hardware, this mandate if the kind of thing that should help ease any anger from the early year console owners thinking they are getting the short end.

[Oschino1907]

Using your logic outside of PS exclusives (but even that's a long shot because the power difference isn't that drastic) the thing that would be holding back multiplats would be PC min specs.

Let's not pretend all these devs have some groundbreaking new engine or game features that are above what a Ps4 or reasonably priced/older PC can handle.

Large majority of devs/publishers are making games for as many people/platforms as possible so they can make the most money.

They are not spending tons of excess money to make a game exclusive for a platform/performance level that only a few people have/are using.

[esmittystud101]

Sony's greed is really showing now. The Devs struggle now, just think when they have to raise the bar for PS4.5 and just give plain old PS4 the leftovers.

This is bullsh*t.

X1 will be next I'm sure.

[Hitoemi]

Only a moron would think cell phone like hardware cycles are a "natural evolution".

[xxjabberxx]

How many of you here have a 4K tv? I don't but it might make me go out and buy one and trade in my ps4 to upgrade.

[Night99]

Are you dumb? You want to invest 1600 Euro(Dollar) just for a PS4 this generation? One 4K TV +800Euro and two PS4s +800Euro. You could easily build a phenomenal PC with this money and play everything on high settings for the next 10 years.

[Bluemaster77]

The necesity to do this stems from them not going as far with the technology as they should have on launch. Truth is these systems were marginal upgrades from their predecessors and the PC to console power gap has gotten a-lot wider. I'd say these mid-cycle console upgrades are a response to developers not having enough horsepower to make their visions to a 1:1 fidelity.

[Oschino1907]

Or maybe they did this all on purpose because charging $600 or more to start would have meant no where close to 40+ million sales in 2 1/2 years.

Especially if we consider the rumor started after Sony apparently approached devs to see what they could/would do with it and If they were interested. If they didn't have enough horsepower for 1:1 they would have PC min requirements matching or above Ps4.

Companies usually have plans set years before announcing anything to the public or even content makers at times. They more than likely had this planned well before announcing the Ps4.

I would have gladly paid $600 or whatever for this in 2013 on launch day. But I am glad they didn't because otherwise the sales wouldn't have been as high, multiplayer games would have had a fraction of the communities they had then and do now, many of my friends would have waited longer to upgrade, etc...

Sony knows what they are doing and I am sure this was all part of their vision. Mark Cerny certainly isn't known for being behind the times or not being forward thinking enough.

[Night99]

The PS4 Neo is not the evolution of console gaming if this becomes the norm this will be the end of console gaming, because consoles would make no sense anymore. The purpos of consoles is to have a closed environment and everyone has the same hardware requirements so developers can potentially reach the whole crowed and not excluding some unlike it is on the PC. IF this closed environment becomes open like the PC then why we need consoles, there is no advantage to the PC so we all just can use the PC instead. At least we all have free online Multiplayer and cheaper game prices on PC.

[Arrow2283]

Man I feel like such a jackass with my previous comments. I honestly thought this was not real or if so just a few upgrades. I am a little pissed because I don't want this to be the norm, were supposed to have systems that last. If Sony were to just upgrade the drive and then bigger HDD ( though it's easy to swap). It wouldn't be so bad. The only bad I see coming from this is when a new system launches people may just wait even longer. We'll see.

[CoryHG]

The way I see it, they could easily do something to help the customer. Everyone has their primary system set. If you were to trade that directly back to Sony, they could provide a discount on the Neo. Say $199 if you send back your old system or $149 maybe? They won't do this, but i think that's a plan a lot of people would go along with.

[Night99]

Sony really shits on the head of all us early adopters, the PS4 had almost no meaningful exclusive games this first 3 years ( what was there beside Bloodborne? the answer is nothing but crap) and now they even release a new better console and makes our already bought PS4 an inferior peace of crap. 1 thing is for sure I will never again buy a new Playstation a release, because i know that there will almost be no good games the first few years and it is likely that Sony shits on the loyal fans head after just a few years.

[LoveSpuds]

If anything it make me glad I got in on the ground floor. I have had thousands of hours of gaming from my PS4 over the last 3 years and while I am more than happy with how it performs (Dark Souls 3 runs and looks great for example) the prospect of an upgrade is very exciting to me.

I guess if I were not in a position to afford and upgrade I might feel differently to be fair, but as it is.......sign me up.

[Night99]

Yes there was a lot of quite good multi platform on PS4 till now but I could have played all of them with better graphics and free onlinemultiplayer on PC, there is almost nothing till now I would have missed if I would have not invested 3 years ago in a PS4 and now Sony craps in our face.

And yes of course I could buy a PS4K too but I am not dumb, i don't let Sony shit on my face and give them even more money for this, they will not see a lot of my money again.

[cyberwaffles]

Why don't they just call their next console the "Playstation Neo" and release it somewhere 2019?

Shorter development cycles isn't a good idea either. Its not a PC. It would divide the user base and keep consumers at bay from buying because they'll think a new release will come right after their purchase. Every upgrade would make the previous iteration obsolete.

Hell, I'm reluctant to even buy games now because I feel it will be better after a year or two after updates or even if they make a remaster.

[Ristul]

Yeah, just release PS5 early instead (2018/2019) and make it backwards compatible, this makes no sense what so ever.

[iNathan]

it is a new world out there, this is the best move.

[kingPoS]

Damn... just when I thought Sony wouldn't go down the rabbit hole, they plunge head first into the matrix with Neo following right after Morpheus.
.
.
.
I hate the new UI already!! What ever script is being used is eating up resources on my tablet like a manic pac-man. Ditto for the cropped avatars.

Gateway MT6706 2008

[Mulando]

Not a good idea. So that means "original" PS4 is not good enough for VR.
I just wait for the PS4.8 ... right before the release of the PS5.

[kingPoS]

Double post...

I'm really not digging the sudden switch to html

Gateway MT6706 2008

[parkesy78]

People are forgetting about nintendo nx its releasing 3 years after ps4 and xbox one at the earliest so its gonna be powerfull now imagine if every multiplatform game can be upscaled to 4k and is locked to 60fps on nx while xbox one and ps4 versions look worse which version would you get ,sony is doing this for a good reason to compete id rather sony upgrade than be left behind

[WarPuppet96]

cool since my ps4 fell on the floor while installing my 4k tv and now it only stay on for a second and shuts off and it sounds like psu might be shot, this to me is the news i wanted to hear. if this leak is true and it should show Microsoft what the ps4k can do and if they may take advantage of leak and make theirs a bit more powerful but I doubt it.

[Vasto]

So people with a PS4 are gimped because they will be playing sub par versions of games.

Glad I sold my PS4 last year.

[pixel_l]

The next PlayStation that I will buy will be the PS5.5 instead of the 5 on launch day. If this is gonna be the trend in console gaming than a lot of people are going to skip the first cycle of the next generation and will just wait till the upgraded version of that system comes out.

[K4Y]

True that. But if people do that and they only sell a handful of them. I don't think they will release the next version. Due to being broke.

[deafdani]

So, when rumors surface of Microsoft going to make a upgradeable Xbox One, people say they're desperate.

But when rumors surface of Sony going to make an upgraded PS4 SKU, it's "the natural evolution of the console cycle".

Are you guys for real? >_>

[starchild]

Although I'm all for this, I do notice the shift in attitudes about this.

When we first heard about Microsoft having some kind of upgradeable console the comments were mostly very negative. Once the first rumors of the PS4K started coming out I noticed a lot of people became much more open to the idea. And the more these rumors have persisted and seemingly been reinforced by other sources the more positive a lot of these people have become. If these rumors turn out to be true I think we'll see even more of these people change their tune.

All of this makes it seem like a lot of people don't really think for themselves, but instead change their opinions based on whether their favorite company is doing it or not.

[deafdani]

Exactly. I'm all for this as well (provided Sony never makes games exclusive to PS4 Neo, that is), but I simply can't stand the hipocrisy at display here. It's obvious that everything Microsoft does is bad, whereas Sony can't do wrong... and Nintendo doesn't even exist. I hate fanboyism.

[FlexLuger]

Let me start off by saying I am glad so many of you have come round to your senses on this. A more powerful version of the console should be made available for those of us that want it.

The question now is; How much and how soon should I part exchange my current PS4 for the newer model th get the most for my current PS4.

[K4Y]

You need to sell it asap. Because soon even on ebay you will find the old model for $150 lol.

[3-4-5]

This new N4G format sucks. So cluttered and messy.

[Saithraphim]

I love it, i think this shows sony's dedication to the gaming community, ESPECIALLY if the rumors about the $400 price tag is true. Why should anyone complain, why should anyone be like "well since i dont want to spend on a upgraded system then no one else should be given the option to"? its beyond me.

[joeorc]

Because , it does not make any sense for Sony to do so..the vast sheer talking point about this was about the reason to even make PSVR better to run..than why have reprojection on all the time?
Why have even 120Hz for its refresh rate?

There is this idea that there needs ..just have to "have" and Sony will..when there has been no iota of proof that Sony is even entertaining..such a release..

Again if a Dev is making games for PS4 but not PSVR..which would sound from a logical perspective.

Release a refresh Dev kit..that includes now PSVR support with every kit..

Or

Release another Dev kit just for only a PS4.5?

Say for the sake of Argument it include both into every kit...why on earth release a PS4.5 now when the vast majority of target triangle will be the standard playstation 4?

The time to triangle is just that..to upgrade the current GPU to times 2 , but not use it? Because you want to support the PS4 and a Quote PS4.5? How many of these PS4.5's going to sell?

This whole idea of a PS4 & PS4.5 being just a slight upgrade is not what the specifications said with what GiantBomb stated..there is a big difference in taking what's in the current PS4 and upgrading it to this PS4.5

There is just does not make much sense to concentrate in a PS4.5 vs getting PSVR off the ground for current Playstation 4 user base.

[joeorc]

No please do not buy a current playstation 4..wait there is a new playstation 4.5 coming out soon..honest.. We heard it on the internet..

Gamer forums..well its real..that Sony..I tell you..Microsoft said such ,and got lambasted for such..Sony says it its now an Evolution..

Is this not really curious that , when the same news about how there was a PS3 with upgraded hardware was on the cusp to release..because Quote developers have the new kit...than nothing happens..LMAO

What's ironic..only now Developers are getting these do called development kits for the playstation 4.5?

Could it just really be new Development kits for the current PS4 for to take into account VR included so as to make more VR games More appealing to developers?

People are acting so hell bent on that this is true..that they really have no confirmation by Sony that its even remotely true at all..supposed leaked internal document's?

Lmao..Playstation VR releases this fall..do people really think this would addn in another Dev kit on top of the Current PS4, than PSVR so don't is going to now ship an additional Dev kit for another playstation 4 SKU?

Has people really lost their d@mn mind's this much?

Say for the sake of argument its real when would this release?
2016?
2017?
2018?
If it gets the same games, but only really resolution and better performance VR..that's what the Existing PS4 vs PC already is for VR , So why increase the cost more trying to compete with PC VR, when the whole point is in Console's, Sony is the only one making a VR headset for game console's.

The marketing for playstation VR was about current PS4 systems being ready for VR..to than come out with a new Upgraded PS4.5 really takes away from that message.

It just does not make a bit of sense..when Even 4K TV's are still no where near mass adoption rates..so if Developers are just getting the PS4.5 Dev kits now , than that would be a min of Two years before you would really any fruits of their development anyway..

Since no Exclusives will be taking advantage of this hardware..what's the point anyway..Sony would be splitting resource's to do such between both platforms than just one..with already adding in PSVR..you now would be talking about now scaling for yet another resource developers time to triangle to reach on from the PS4 to this PS4.5

Sony Aldo would or already working on the PS5 already to boot..it just does not add up..its far cheaper and more cost effective to upgrade the Dev kits to concentrate in getting the most out of the current PS4 when you spent all that R&D just getting to the point of even releasing the current PS4.

We are barely 3 years in..all this talk I would say is over a d@mn Dev kit refresh for the fact its Playstation VR is releasing this fall, and what better way to get more Playstation VR development support, but put VR development tools built into the new SDK & DEV. KIT.

NOT EVEN A 4TH YEAR AND THIS KIND OF HARDWARE REFRESH TALK IS MESNT TO DO ONLY ONE THING..TO HAVE PEOPLE RECONSIDER A PURCHASR OF THE CURRENT PS4!

[Immorals]

Hopefully this is just the PSVR box being integrated into the console itself, otherwise this is a massive slap in the face to the 40m+ existing owners!

[Hairy Chewie]

I dont understand why people are so intrigued by this. Its been nothing but rumors since day 1 with nothing confirmed. There will be a new "slim" version in the works, but the only hardware changes are probably going to be more about reducing costs than improving performance.

[Stealth20k]

Devs hate it

[jcnba28]

Off Topic: Can somebody tell me how to change N4G back to what it used to look like? I can't stand the new format! Thanks in advance!

[lennyvon]

I'll buy neo don't care about the nay sayers lol DRY YOUR EYES! I want more power in ps form not a pc they are high maintenance.
I want to play latest games with no fuss and aim assist lol.
Pc's are a pain in the ass I have 5 in the house and there is always something needing done, drivers updates antivirus bloody tweaking games = less time gaming!
Consoles are easy I like easy I work long hours have 3 kids and want simplicity,consoles offer this and if there's a prettier PlayStation coming I'll have it bye,bye vanilla hello neo lol

[K4Y]

I guess you need a ios gaming in your life. If you want simplicity lol. I have two pc gaming rigs and i have never had to ever use antivirus or tweaking games for that matter. Updates are normal just like how you have to do it on a PS4.

[s45gr32]

That was true back in the nineties unless you ditch Windows for Linux. Windows10 is completely automated from its patches, system updates, drivers. All done at the click of one button or not at all. Consoles now require system updates, game updates/patches, plus pay high prices for games. Today's consoles are garbage

[Dan_scruggs]

Should have titled this article. "Why it's OK that Sony is screwing it's fanbase"

[iliimaster]

if their is a new ps4 console do you really think people will buy the next one after that? no because in a few years time they will have upgraded that one too? why not they did it before? this is crazy owning a ps4 that i dont even play would piss me off more knowing i got the crappy version

[Subaruwrx]

If this becomes the natural evolution of the console cycle, I will hold off on buying a new console until the mid generation upgrade gets released. The incentive to purchase a next generation console, in my mind, will be greatly reduced if this cycle actually comes in to play.

[Kyizen]

People need to understand how in game assets such as textures, character models, particle effects and other things work. Developers don't have make a 1080p texture, they have a huge texture and then scale it down to 1080p, same with particle effects they start with more and then lower it till they get the frame rate locked at their target. Think of it like your 16 megapixel picture your phone takes. The resolution of 16MP is 4920 x 3264. Your camera screen, your computer monitor, even your 4k tv isn't that res. But the picture is. It's the same with game assets. So like an explosion in a game on PS4.5 will look nicer, because the PS4 version had some particle effects removed to keep the same frame rate. It doesn't mean extra work for the devs just some tweaking they do anyways.

[esmittystud101]

Buy Gamestop stock now. I think there shares are going to be rising soon if they are on board. I'm looking at the stock after this post. LOL

Edit: Changes did happen in the Gamestop world.

http://www.barrons.com/arti...

[Krakin1]

I think Sony knows what they're doing of this is true.

PS: I hate the new look of this site

[Bismarn]

...but when Xbox was rumored to be making a 1.5, Microsoft was editorially dragged before The Hague for crimes against humanity. Now it's forward thinking?

[Bronxs15]

The only downside is for current ps4 owners. Games won't run as good. Devs can easily say it's meant to be played in neo mode. Basically optimize for ps neo. And it runs bad on ps4. Versus now they only have ps4 to work with so all their time would be optimizing ps4 version.

[fanboysmackdown]

To all the whiners, boo frickin' hoo. I'm all for innovation and moving forward. This gen has been disappointing so far and this may be exactly what it needed. Both the PS4 and X1 were underpowered at launch compared to a semi decent pc at the time so now these new units will close the gap. I'll either sell my consoles or use them as secondary's....I'm ok with it.

[s45gr32]

Relax is just a rumour for now. Upgradeable consoles no thanks and if Sony/Microsoft released underpowered consoles to upgrade them later on. That's false advertisement, it screws its consumers, it destroys the purpose of owning a console. Admit it, PC gaming has won with its cheaper games, exclusive genres (mmos, rts, mobas, etc), 4k gaming, 60, 90, 120 frames per second, mods, etc. The hardware of consoles is buried.....

[theshredded]

As long as there aren't exclusive games and a drastic difference I'm fine.

[Maxor]

Peasant mode confirmed for the standard PS4 owners. I'm definitely picking up the NEO. When I can pre-order? Take my money!

[SavingPvt_Highon]

Can't wait to buy it along with PS VR.

[Movefasta1993]

That's a good idea for a bundle, but a pricey bundle

[Agent_hitman]

I'm pretty sure that the future PS4 titles will have flexible settings for new and old designed PS4s. Like on PCs, it will automatically adjust the settings of your games, depending on what PS4 model you have Easy as that.

The good thing about PS4 Neo is that, I guess it would drag the current PS4 owners/install base to buy the new one if the price is right, I hope they price it at $399 though.

[81BX]

This is stupid.... im getting a pc instead

[Zonsenzo]

The people moaning now due to this situation have already forgotten how hardware has always been a limiting factor, they just don't remember the situation as they were kids when their parents bought them their expansion pack to be able to play perfect dark in their n64, now they are the ones buying their own stuff. In no way I'm fond of this strategies... and actually I own an Xbox One, but if this is true it might become a trend and I doubt the Xbox One will take too much time to follow the same path.

[AgentSmithPS4]

Mr. Anderson…you disappoint me. This is pay to win. In MP games the better draw distance, smoother aiming, better details, etc will give the richer players an advantage, just like on PC. Then those realities and fears will drive sales, then you'll be stuck in the never ending upgrade cycle, or you'll be a loser.

If they're really doing this I'm going to consider switching back to PC, I've missed the better controllers, mods, etc anyway.

[lutfarssmc]

If this NEO thing is true then I m going for a PC. Thanks SONY for making me inferior version owner. Oh wait, I won't be a ps4 owner because I will sell this f***ing console. Those who think NEO won't divide the userbase are blind. I m having the wish to kick in nuts of Mark Cerny after hearing this news.

[alti]

it's strange............ code naming a sony product "neo" ..... it means one... and that boded well for xbox..... seriously, PS4k is such an obvious PERFECT name for this.

[captainexplosion]

Gamers are the cheapest and whiniest group of people on the planet. This is good for consumers. But people, especially gamers, ALWAYS hate new products because they are afraid they are going to have to spend money on them.

[s45gr32]

Good how, if they want to enjoy PSVR they must buy a new. PS4 system. It destroys the 3 tenents of owning a console:

Affordability
Ease of use
Accessibility

At this point might as well buy a PC.

[SprigganN4G]

Just make 4 year console cycles Sony, not this confusing shit. Year one, the console, year three slim model, year four the next console.

[Jag-T1000]

You mean I get to buy the system all over again? Brings so much joy. Together we will reach 100 million units sold. Thank you Sony.

[Yetter]

Can't wait to see the Neo Fanboys against the Base model PS4 fanboys on N4G

[lutfarssmc]

It's alredy started.

[s45gr32]

I don't see the benefit of an upgradeable console hardware wise. The fact is Sony would increase its costs in manufacturing, transportation, etc. Game developers lose the safety net of making PS4 games knowing it will work on all PS4 systems. Gamers lose due to shell out for a revised console. Really no party benefits.

[joeorc]

Exactly! @ s45gr32

When you go for refresh in hardware its for two things to lower ones manufacturing costs. Or your launching a new system.

This refresh that these [Rumor's] are claiming is not just a shrinkage in die size or any think of that sorts , this will increase the costs in manufacturing a PS4 taking it from a ROI profit to a Loss leader.

The PS4 was sold @profit right from the start.
The PSVR will be sold right from the start..this is not with software included..that is just on hardware alone.

So what we have now is mystery developers and Game review journo outlets stating Sony told them that this PS4.5 is coming and here are the spec's.. Any that Sony is now going to take a loss on hardware over taking profit on hardware?

And people really think this is even true?

There is only one way or two which this even makes sense. And that is if
A( its a media center box) ps4 one with low production high margins.
Or
B) this new PS4.5 is not even going to be releasing for a while anyway.

Other than that..it just would not make sense, when Sony & Playstation Subsidiaries are concentrate in on profits not a Loss especially in the Playstation Conglomerate.

[s45gr32]

That is why I don't see a PS4.5 anytime soon

[MagicBeanz]

The ones shouting the loudest about this are mostly the ones who dont own or play on Playstation anyway, its the typical gaming community propaganda stuff .

[insomnium2]

Off the top of my head seeing this for the firs time this seems idiotic to say the least. If they don't take advantage of the specs then why put them there? If they do are they going to force people to buy it which would be a suicide for Sony.

[Enigma_2099]

Isn't this just an excuse to resell you a not so new console for full price again?

[FarEastOrient]

It hasn't stopped millions of Nintendo handhelds from being sold, where were these articles with all the incremental upgrades since the gameboy?

[Ashmedae]

For those of you in favor of the "Neo" and spamming things like "you don't have to buy it."

WTF did you buy an Xbox One or PS4 in the first place? I am sure that copy of Destiny runs well enough on the PS3 and Xbox 360 as is. So WTF would anyone want or need to upgrade to the PS4 and Xbox One? ......If I were to take a wild guess, it's probably because the PS4 and Xbox one offer better graphics, higher resolutions, better frame rates with all of that eye candy turned on (READ: they offer greater visual fidelity), and a more enjoyable gaming experience as a result. What will the "PS4 Neo" purportedly offer? Higher frame rates, higher resolution, more eye candy (READ: it will offer greater visual fidelity), and a more enjoyable gaming experience as a result.

...But you're perfectly happy and content with your copy of Destiny on the PS3/Xbox 360, right? No need to upgrade knowing there's a better experience to be had...right? You don't mind having to spend another $400 so soon on top of the $400 you already spent, right? ...R i g h t....

READ: If you already own a PS4 but want to enjoy greater visual fidelity (but same gameplay) with XYZ game, you are going to have to spend another $400 to do so.

ASIDE from exclusives, the biggest reason to own a console is knowing that you don't have to upgrade every couple of years, saving you from having to spend hundreds of dollars just to get the most out of a game. [EDIT]Normally with consoles you have parity, you don't have to worry about another player having an advantage over you because they have better hardware than you.[/EDIT] This "PS4 Neo" changes all of that. You might as well just own a high-end PC at that point because that's essentially what this will be moving towards with these "X.5" upgrade cycles. Moreover, if this becomes a trend, then why even bother being an early adopter? You might as well wait knowing there is going to be a ".5" right around the corner.

In fact, I have a friend who was considering buying a PS4, but now he's going to wait for the "PS4 Neo". Had I known this was going to happen, I would have done the same instead of being an early adopter. I am sure there are millions of other people who would have done the same as well had they known; in turn, I am sure Sony's sales would not have been as strong as they have been.

/rant

[Avalanche]

this is where the industry is going. last gen lasted 7-8years. this gen will last 9-10years and the Ps5 gen will last 12-13years.

PS:No one is forcing you to buy another PS4, SONY clearly stated that every ps4 game will work with every ps4 system. "Neo" customers will get NOTHING exclusive because they have the "Neo"

[Ashmedae]

"Neo" customers will get NOTHING exclusive because they have the "Neo"

...Except for higher/greater visual fidelity. That they will have.

[joeorc]

[SONY clearly stated]

They did?
Sony has not stated anything about a supposed PS4.5 this over a supposed leaked Document?

But..but I trust GiantBomb
But..but I trust IGN

That's the problem with "Rumors"
Sony has not stated anything..
Where is these so called Document leaks..why if they are so sure those are from Sony , why have they not posted them?

Because they could get their Supposed source's in trouble?
LMAO

[Aghashie]

"Walking a dangerous path Sony is, indeed."

-Yoda

[Oschino1907]

Yoda has infinite logical and rational thought, he would never say that about this situation. Maybe a young irrational emotionally unstable Anakin Skywalker would say that...

[cyber_daemonx]

Hope theres as much complaining when MS release the xbone 1.5.

@ashmedae, yeah and how would I have played Bloodborne etc on my PS3?
Lol

[Ashmedae]

You wouldn't have. That's obviously the trade off. Wait however long, save $400 by not getting a PS4, and get the PS4.5 for $400 when it comes out...or spend $400 now on a PS4 and then another $400 down the road for the PS4.5. $400 vs $800. It's up to you if paying that extra $400 is worth it to play Bloodborne now rather than later...unless you're content with just the PS4 alone then you've got nothing to lose or be concerned about.

[Pazto]

I think that at this point, is kinda obvious (and for most pc gamers was obvious from the start) that this generation of consoles was bad from the start, one of the most disappointing of all time, I will say. They cant run games in the proper way (Just play Dark Souls 3 on PS4...), they have outdated hardware, they really are a Joke. I can totally understand how pissed off people are, this is a huge fail in the video game history.

[Redwvlf]

I'll be picking one up.

[Movefasta1993]

i see pc gaming getting a huge boost if this is true

[MasterCornholio]

So what's the theory behind that?

[Movefasta1993]

Console gamers being turned off by a 3 year generation of consoles. Not everyone is happy about this,remove your fanboy glasses and read some of the comments,they're not all supporting it.

[joeorc]

Well that's what this whole, leaked info about a supposed PS4.5 is about..

See it starts with.."our" inside source says such & such and than another site than use's that site as its source .until the meme as big bang theory's AFF..states the Meme has reached full penetration.

Than if Sony denies it eventually. Its a win: because just like the Supposed "Sony was also going to use DRM after they seen what happened to Microsoft we forced them to Stop" even though Sony never was intending to use DRM as a Quote Marketing lever to get you into their always on internet future.

And if it does come out even 3 years from now..its see..you could have waited to buy a PS4.5 or instead why not just get a PC.

There is only one companies that benefits off of this type of Viral marketing.. Its a Horn blowing call to shift to PC gaming..oh' you mean Linux gaminggaming? Lmao..no that's like saying Linux is the go to platform for gaming for PC .and we all know on gaming forums its really in reference to Windows OS powered PC gaming.

So..here is the thing..you really cannot get upset over this, I'm not I really expected this to happen..if Microsoft was in the Lead right now would we really be talking about a Xbox 1.5 or a PS4.5?

I doubt it very much we would be seeing , post and thread after thread about what will Sony do. Will they spin off playstation now that its no longer the leader as Microsoft has taken Sony's MarkeSony'st share..which is ironic we have has that stated over all last generation about how Microsoft took Sony's market share..but strange we have not seen articles about how Sony has taken back its market share from Microsoft.

This whole rumor is geared to do several things.

A) slow down PS4 current model sales
B) have gamers reconsider a Playstation 4 system at all and switch to PC..we are already seeing that here with gamers in this very thread state such.
C) already gamers are outright saying Sony is doing this..just look at the response's.. By gamers in this very thread. Even though its still just a rumor.. But..but the leak documents.. So where are the documents? Some one makes up a document and sends it to these so called insiders and now its taken as gospel.. Kotaku pulled these kind of stunts with their "insider" than other sites run with it.

I say

You cannot buy better negative viral marketing against an opponent your in competition with.

[MasterCornholio]

When did I say I support this?

Also I can also not support this by buying a PS5 instead of a PC. Pretty sure plenty others will do the same.

Maybe if you were more rational you would see that.

PC isn't the only option for console gamers. The next generation of consoles are an option as well.

@Move

And before you ask this question "Why stick with PlayStation instead of a PC?"

Answer: Because exclusives.

[F0XHOUND]

So wait.... £300 every 3 years, thats if you buy launch, how dare we consider waiting to buy....then it'd be even less time between purchases, or you get that feeling of missing out if you dont buy at launch. Plus more expensive games, plus... PS Plus as mandatory for online gaming... combined with the knowledge that its performance is highly optimized at the expense of graphical quality, FPS, resolution etc as times move forward... essentially holding back the possibilities for all major titles.... And this is cheaper than PC gaming? I could probably buy a PC TODAY thats still more powerfull than these new remade consoles which wont release till, at the very soonest, Q4 2016, for a pretty decent price. btw, im a PS4 gamer, i dont even own a gaming PC.... but seriously, if i want upgrades every 3 years, i think id rather invest in a PC. Id happily spend 600-1000 on a PC with the possibilities to invest in upgrades as i go to keep it as current as i can..... free online, future proof, open to other apps like photoshop, emulation etc.... good grief, console gaming is losing a massive area in its argument that gives its players satisfaction in owning them. Tell me.... why would you realistically own a console over a pc these days? Dont say control pad and "couch gaming" either please, tell me one TV in the world which wont allow a pc to connect to it!

Downvote all you like, xbox gamer, ps4 gamer or WII gamer... surely this leaves a sour taste in your mouth? Playstation 1, 2 and 3 were great gens because we bought a console which was out of the box and here to stay to game on, stress free for years to come! 3 years.... This is not console gaming, this is bullshit money grabbing! Release a damn playstation APP for smart TV's and PC and be done with it please Sony lol

[GNCFLYER]

And i always ended up buying two of each eventually because they broke after 4 years.

Thats when ill upgrade.

[Mate1789]

I don't want to buy a new console every three years! I know that I don't need to buy it but...

[Movefasta1993]

but what?

[Mate1789]

See Maxor's reply..

[Maxor]

But he's sad but other gamers like me will have a superior PS4.

[Movefasta1993]

The Neo master race?

[MRJefferson]

Just buy a PC problem solved. Sony did a right trick here, to make more money because this neo hardware specs (performance) was already there and even better ones back in 2013. PS4 should been released with neo specs in the first place.

[jokerisalive]

Here's hoping they at the MINIMUM give the NEO a 1 TB HDD as opposed to the 500 GB they continue to provide us with.

[pixel_l]

I think it would be a much better option to be able to upgrade your console (for example a attachable graphics card) after a couple of years for a 100 or 150 dollar, euro than to bring out an entirely new console whit new spec's. Bring out a 400 dollar, euro basic model at launch and give the gamers the option to easily upgrade that device for a extra cost, after a couple of years.

[MWH]

a stupid kid wrote: "Stay with your PS4 peasant edition".

Sony just built a Berlin Wall between its fans.

[joeorc]

Sony did?
Did Sony say public that its coming?
No? Or yes?

I'm wondering why people are thinking this is even remotely true?
1st off the so called gaming journo sites state they have a leaked documents from supposed insider sources..well where is these documents?

If there was such where are they..if the Halloween Microsoft documents can be leaked and posted online how about these?

Why is all of a sudden many gamers are not asking questionsquestions about why would the market leader with d@mn near 40 or now over 40 million install base do this?

These "Rumors" are it seems being treated as [Facts] when they are just a Rumor..many say where there is Smoke there is fire..just like last time about how Sony was supposed to be using DRM..and it turned out to be completely false..and yet still gamers today still think Sony was going to use it. Even though they came out and stated no.

What's ironic..is taking off the cuff information and using subjective reasoning seems to be the status Quo in Game journo reasoning today..

No where has Sony stated public that such a not even Mid cycle hardware refresh let alone one with Double the GPU ACE capability is even being put out for the consumer editions of PS4 sku's

If any thing ; for all we know the reality of the situation is that these in fact could just as well be new Dev kits..

What this does is would increase costs to manufacturing.. When corporation's want to shrink costs, not increase them..its about ROI..that's something you cannot do if you keep increasing costs.
This quote upgrade would increase heat..thus you would need better heat dissipate material.. Thus could be larger heat sinks..more power requirements.. And

This whole thing about creating a upgraded system when we are not even in the 4th d@mn year yet?
I mean really?

When would gamers & Media expect this thing to release?
They stated that starting in fall that "Sony" states that developers must code for games to be comparable compatstable with this Neo..what's ironic is that developers are quote by their inside source just getting these Dev kits now. ?

[MWH]

if it isn't true, and I still hope it isn't, Sony has the responsibility to clarify it and calm down the community otherwise many will refrain from buying the current PS4 which may damage their sales and their public image.

and as the old saying goes; there's no smoke without fire.. but I still hope it's just smoking mirrors.

[PS4PC]

if optional than thumbs up or else thumbs down

[kevnb]

I think some people think it's a bigger update than it is.

[JasmineLawrence]

My best friend's sister makes $90 an hour on the internet . She has been out of a job for 6 months but last month her check was $14700 just working on the internet for a few hours. See here now... www.earnmore9.com

[lvl_headed_gmr]

So another Sony console and still no Last Guardian

[Movefasta1993]

LMAO i don't know why you got dislikes

[Maxheadroom123]

Who here is old enough to remember the Commodore 128 & Spectrum 128?

Those too were touted as being the 'evolution' over their C64 & Spectrum 48k counterparts and both failed terribly within months.

Developers were reluctant to split their resources developing for the extra feature set when they could just focus on the established and existing users base, and users didnt buy the computers until there were more games catering to those features. Its a vicious circle.

At the very least its a wait and see, but you'd be mad to reorder at this point

[Oschino1907]

Well clearly age doesn't = wisdom...

Tell me now about how wireless electricity can't work these days because Tesla couldn't get enough to buy into it over 100 yrs ago.

[Maxor]

That example is simply idiotic. What didn't work for Commodore worked just fine for IBM and Apple and even Tandy. The fact that Commodore could not keep up with the competitor's specs is why it died. The brand became tied with low cost training wheel PCs while IBM and Apple became associated with power and quality.

[NerveGearneeded]

if people don't care enough about 60 fps and 1080p why would they buy an upgraded ps4.

[Emme]

Is this a new gen console now, because the Wii wasnt much more powerful than the GC at the time.

[daynnight365]

Jesus I just threw up a little bit after seeing the new mobile version of the site.

[joeorc]

Here is another Rumor..

Here I have a inside source.. This PS4.5 is not a standard PS4..its a[ Media Center Playstation 4] do not worry I have it on good authority that's what it is. Look I cannot tell you my source or show you the internal Document's.. But its a [Media center 4K playstation 4]

[Clown_Syndr0me]

Yeah no thanks, not supporting this crap. Perfectly happy with my current consoles.

[GNCFLYER]

Not a big enough leap for me. Ill buy one if, when my current one goes down and not until.

Whenever i see comparisons of games PS4/PC i just dont see that big of a difference to justify the purchase or be mad this is coming

[ghostface9]

This is literally terrible for developers now that sony is forcing them to make 2 versions of their game one for each console. This is going to cause development to increase a lot hurting the gamer because we will have to wait longer for games now or get one that is rushed. It also hurts the developer because of the extra money it takes to make 2 versions of the same game. This is real bad news for gaming as a whole hope it doesn't happen.

[mamotte]

I waited a bit on the PS3 generation for I was sure a slim version was coming. I waited a bit on this gen for I was sure a slim version was coming... but this is a bit too much, even for me. I'm more than happy though, since I'll buy more than a slim version, but Sony is just giving me more and more reasons to not buy their consoles at launch.

[GMW]

This is an interesting concept. All games will work on current PS4s but if you want to turn up the notch in graphics and fps then buy the Neo version. It's like buying a new graphics card for your PC but cheaper and no configuration messiness required. Sounds good for those that are wiling to pay while not restricting the games. Not a bad idea in fact.