Why Would Consumers Want A PS 4 Slim With PS Neo Coming

With Sony set to release the Playstation NEO and rumored Playstation 4 Slim to consumers in the near future, Skewed and Reviewed have posted an Opinion Piece asking why consumers may want one over the other and poses that Sony may have a master card to play.

[Malice-Flare]

price...

Slim will be cheaper than NEO and the consumer may not need 4K media yet...

[Garethvk]

I think that pretty much sums it up. Say 299.99 for Slim vs same to 399.99 for Neo plus a 4K TV or monitor.

[Genuine-User]

You think the Neo will go for $400 knowing that a 2TB Xbox One S goes for the same price?

[Garethvk]

Sony has been known to undercut MS.

[darthv72]

And you don't think MS could undercut Sony?

As far as not buying a 4K unit because of a lack of 4K tv... most people will still buy a 4K unit if the price is cheap enough. In most cases that is how consumers progress. They buy into one part of the equation first and then the other part when they see fit. It's usually cheaper and easier to buy the player first then they can take their time to research the TV's while still enjoying the player in the mean time. Then when they find a TV they like they will already have something to provide content on it when they get it set up.

[Kingthrash360]

The xbo was the same price as the more powerful ps4....so yeah there's that ns has been overcharging for xbo day one. vr is substantially cheaper too, Sony is a hardware company they have had tricks up their sleeve day 1. In hardware they have an advantage .

What need to happen is for everyone to wait for September 7th.
We know nothing right now. The neo may come out in 2018 or something (far fetched I know) but the point is we know nothing. The neo may cost 499 slim may cost 249...we just don't know at this point to ask this question. When dates and prices come then this question is valid. All this does is force alot of guess work banter.

[TheOptimist]

Neo is not going to play games at 4K. So what's the point of a 4K TV? Unless you watch movies in 4K and are a movie enthusiast as well.

[Kokyu]

The slim better not be 399 as it has no 4k capabilites.

[Neonridr]

still can't believe they didn't offer 4K upscaling for streaming / movies at the bare minimum. I am sure with the cost cutting measures elsewhere they could have still kept the price down. Would save someone who may end up buying a 4K TV to not have to resort to buying a whole new console just so they can watch Netflix in 4K.

[Genuine-User]

I think Sony wants to send out a clear message to consumers, slim is a trimmed down version of the OG PS4 and Neo is a premium iterative console.

Similarly, Xbox One S is the premium iterative console from Microsoft until the Scorpio launches next year.

[gbsrnctaln]

Most 4k tvs are smart and stream 4k netflix. They also upscale and interpolate images, so these 4k streaming and upscaling features in consoles are pretty pointless. Now native 4k is a different story.

[Rude-ro]

If someone bought a 4K tv, they come with Netflix and 4K streaming.

[Neonridr]

@gbsrnctaln - I totally understand that, but it's nice having a box that does everything and not need to go elsewhere. That's like saying that my PS4 didn't need DLNA support because I could do it through my home theatre system. But again, being able to do it all from the same place is nice. Thus when they finally did add support it was a welcome addition.

[gbsrnctaln]

Neon. I could see that being convenient. However, my tv upscales the netflix from my ps4 and you can hardly tell the difference between the two.

[TwoForce]

Just like PS3 slim, it had to remove backward compatibility in orders to make it cheaper.

[darthv72]

Going by the history of MS and Sony. MS reduces the cost while improving the features or performance of the system. Sony removes features they feel are not cost effective in order to reduce the price. They have not ever once improved the system with added features or performance. They have maintained the same track record since the PSOne slim.

@s2killinit, by making a 2nd sku (one without kinect) is how MS did that. Not exactly the same as removing actual design features to cut costs because that external kinect was just a packaging decision. A few notable things Sony has removed to cut costs. Parallel port on the PS1, HDD expansion on the PS2, Media reader and USB ports on the PS3... who knows what they removed on the slim PS4 but they did not add anything in the process.

MS has usually added to their revised systems. Adding in wifi and HDMI for the 360 and UHD/4K bluray and HDR for the XB1. all while keep the cost the same or even less than initially released without those features.

[S2Killinit]

@darthv72
REALY? I distinctely remember MS removing a kinect device to make their xbone cheaper. I wonder if you actually believe the stuff you say.

Nice try though

[kraenk12]

No one cares . Not even 10 percent have 4K TVs yet and it's gonna take years until people will.

[LexHazard79]

Whats wrong with these people disagreeing? I mean for Xbox One S for $299 comes with UHD video playback for disc and streaming and HDR. Granted still same gpu..but still it added features. Is my point.

[IamTylerDurden1]

Most 4K TVs upscale to 4K anyway, so owning a 4K TV and a non 4K console will likely give u the same result as say...the xbone?

The difference with Neo is that it will actually be significantly more powerful and improve games in other ways.

The slim is simply the new base PS4, it's no different than ms still selling a base xbone. What is so hard to understand?

[Neonridr]

@IamTylerDurden - I realize the whole thing about the TV now, I don't own a 4K TV so I didn't realize it would upscale console resolutions.

The Neo is the same as the Scorpio, they are both "new" consoles that will enhance gameplay in their own ways (mostly to do with VR I am betting).

The difference with the Slims are, MS's slim actually improves on some areas that the base Xbox was lacking. The PS4 slim in no way addresses any issues or offers any enhancements, just strips away stuff to make it cheaper.

I would be hard pressed to believe that MS is still going to sell much in the way of the original Xbox One. I wouldn't be surprised to see it go the way of the dodo very soon.

[Alexious]

First comment nailed it!

[LackTrue4K]

I have another house just south of the border. And my ps4 is giving me small issue with the disk drive/ejects disk if not in use after a month.

Will take the old one down there and get a new slim for the crib.

Price is not bad, and will probably pick up the neo too.

[starchild]

Exactly. Why is this hard to understand for some people?

The PS4 Slim will definitely be quite a bit cheaper, and some people care more about cost than getting the best graphical fidelity.

[Utalkin2me]

Lol, a rhetorical question. This is blatant obvious....smh

[fei-hung]

A whole bunch of reasons:

1) second console
2) couldn't afford it at 299-399
3) couldn't justify it at 299-399
4) was unsure

At 249 it's not only cheaper, but it will probably drop to 199 when the Scorpio releases, becoming an impulse buy.

Also, I reckon the Neo will be 399. The same price as a 1TB X1S. Sony will have out priced MS on both their premium consoles by 100-200. It's a clever move.

[StormLegend]

It's no need for 4K at all right now. $250 PS4 would be the best thing for New PS4 gamers. You might not have a next gen console or you already have an Xb1 so here is a good small cheap PS4.

[XanderZane]

What if you already own a PS4? Why buy another one? Just a waste of money when you could get the NEO. The PS4 Neo will still play PS4 games in 1080P and may even upscale them to 4K. Whether you have a 4K HDTV or not, when you do get one you will already have a PS4 that will support it.

[DarXyde]

This.

I said this in another topic, but releasing both a similar window is a great idea because the price disparity is very in-your-face. You'll know right away if you want a budget model or a premium model.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

The Xbox One S is just like the original 360S which offered WiFi out of the box, smaller form factor, and other enhancements.

Microsoft doesn't take away features to its older consoles. It adds them. The Xbox one S looks premium but it's not their premium device. The Scorpio is that device.

The Xbox One S is meant to replace the original One.

[Garethvk]

I also wonder if PS VR will run fine on the base system or will it need the power of Neo to reach what was promised.

[Neonridr]

I think for the launch titles it will be fine, but I have a hard time believing that the base system is going to be able to power VR for very long. I think the Neo was brought on to help sustain PSVR.

[FITgamer]

They've only said it multiple times that you don't need a NEO for PSVR. Not sure why people keep bringing that up.

[Ark_]

... because it's hard to believe considering PS4 is pretty weak hardware for VR.
Let's see - and talk about it again a year after release.

[IamTylerDurden1]

Yet the new God of War was running on a base PS4. They developed PSVR around the base PS4, so it will be just fine for VR.

[MasterCornholio]

If it didn't run fine then they would make PSVR only available on the NEO. Kind of like how VR isn't supported on the X1 but it works on the Scorpio.

[kraenk12]

Did you even read any hands on reviews?!

[Genuine-User]

It'll be cheaper and most probably quieter. People with a buget will most probably go for the slim.

[IamTylerDurden1]

For ppl that just want a PS4, ppl that want a cheap way into VR, kids that want PS4 for xmas. Not everyone can shell out 400 or more dollars for a console. Not everyone has a 4K TV.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

New and improved usually have a positive effect on consumers. Also, I still believe this will be price reduced to $299 which puts it into a favorable light for those working on a tighter budget. This console is not aimed at the high end enthusiast. Way too often hardcore gamers who always want the new shiny think a product should be geared toward them. NEO certainly will be a console geared toward the avid gaming enthusiast. PS4 Slim is geared toward the family who has a tight budget, the guy/gal who see's the console on a shelf and thinks "wow its only $299? OK why not..." and buys on a whim. The PS4 Slim will also phase out the current model PS4 and replace it on the manufacturing line moving forward so that will save Sony more money moving forward regardless.

[IamTylerDurden1]

The slim is the new base PS4 going forward. Or should Sony not even offer a cheaper base PS4 anymore? Should ms discontinue the xbone? Use your brains ppl.

[IndominusRex]

Affordability.

[CoryHG]

Well why would people want a Slim Xbone if Scorpio is coming out? It's a two way street, and i'm saying no to your click bait.

[Garethvk]

I say no to both One S and Scorpio as my PC runs circles around them. This is a legit question and about Sony not MS.

[ziggurcat]

"This is a legit question and about Sony not MS."

what is the purpose of singling out Sony when MS will have the exact same console options? where's the article asking the same, ridiculous question about Xbox One S/Scorpio?

@gangsta:

all three of those articles you've linked are total BS (total BS in that they're all just as ridiculous as the article attached to this comment section). it was stupid to present the argument that announcing Xbox One S, and Scorpio was "confusing" or that Xbox One S was unnecessary, etc... just as it's as stupid to argue why anyone would need the PS4 slim with Neo coming out.

[gangsta_red]

@Ziggurcat

"where's the article asking the same, ridiculous question about Xbox One S/Scorpio?"

http://n4g.com/news/1933133...

http://n4g.com/news/1927116...

http://n4g.com/news/1920061...

Do you need more articles asking ridiculous questions about Xbox One S/Scorpio? Those questions have already been asked about MS, now it's being asked of Sony...what is the problem Ziggurcat?

[Immorals]

I want a PS4 for the exclusives, not enough games to spend tons on a Neo, I use an optical set up so I'll be able to pick a cheap original PS4. Win win!

[iTechHeads]

PS4 is for everything.

[Immorals]

I don't own a pc and I prefer xbox games, so Scorpio is my preferred option. But I don't want to miss out on the ps games either.

[MasterCornholio]

Price really.

I suggest ws wait and see if it sells. If it does then those people had a reason to buy one.

[Kyizen]

PS4 Slim is if you dont have a 4k tv and are new to Sony, you have a PS4 and you want a second one for a bedroom or if your PS4 breaks and you are low on funds

[Sharky231]

Didn't we just talk about this with the Xbox one s and Scorpio?

[Jayszen]

Because some consumers will not care about 4K gaming and just want a PS4. Even those who want 4K gaming and VR may want a second or third basic console for portability, the bedroom, or for kids, etc, etc. Because the world is full of people with all kinds of needs and wants and everyone is different.

[Rude-ro]

If you have to ask, you are not educated enough to write said article.

[Rimeskeem]

1. Price obviously
2. Why are people complaining about options? Journalists will do anything for clicks apparently. There really is no winning these days.

[showtimefolks]

Price maybe? If ps4 slim is $249 and neo $399 that families on budgets will choose the console with best price. Where it could help Sony is if it launches at $249 than by $199

Imo Sony is smart. These leaks are not by accident I my opinion. Now ps4 is getting all the attention and once neo is announced it will get so much extra business

Think about it even if ps4 neo is 4.5 to 5TF with at least 12gb ram with better cpu will people really wait an extra year to buy Scorpio or is the aspect of being able to play games at much better res and frame rate right now

Games like fallout 4, witcher 3, bloodborne, uncharted 4 etc,,,

By the time Scorpio comes out ps4 could be ahead by 30 plus million so unless ms is simply gonna call it Xbox 2 To start the next next gen Than if Sony plays its cards right they could gain a big share of the market

[Elda]

The PS4 slim would be a great buy pretty much for someone that has not bought a PS4 yet & doesn't care about PSVR or 4k at the moment.

[OB1Biker]

Well it should be great for an affordable PSVR solution too

[buttcheeks]

Because it's cheaper and plays the same games which version of the the ps4 do you think the casuals and parents will pick up this holiday .......the obvious answer is the slim while the neo is for the hardcore and people who already have a ps4 and wish to upgrade

[lastking95]

Lol man how ppl flip flop. Same ppl that are answering the question were the ones asking it with xbox S.

[cd1]

Who said anything about what the consumers want? Sony have always released a slimmer variation of their current console that is cheaper to produce and therefor cheaper to buy, it has nothing to do with Neo.

[Tallpine]

"However here is my conundrum. If you have not already purchased a PS4 and have interest in the system, why would you want to purchase a PS4 Slim when there is a 4K model of the system coming up?"

Well not everyone takes gaming too seriously in their life and don't understand or care the difference between versions... let alone have a 4k tv or knowledge of VR. I'm thinking of people where I work when i say this and can only imagine there is a big group of these consumers that would appreciate a cheap slim ps4. Haven't you met someone who only picks up a controller a few times a month?

[buttcheeks]

Right to these people actually think parents care whether or not there kids are playing cod in 4k and are willing to pay another 100 to 200 bucks for it..

[Tallpine]

Haha not everyone who play games are kids. I highly doubt their parents are involved in their decision making. Thanks for the laugh.

[esmittystud101]

The only reason they are bringing the slim out is because of the Xbox One S. Without Xbox One S release, we wouldn't see a slim model from Sony anytime soon. Plain and simple.

Edit: I cleared up the text so the "the guys that can't read between the lines" could understand.

[StormLegend]

This is so wrong! Sony has always did a slim console and how could Sony make a slim console that fast? All of the PS3 slims did the same thing as the original console, nothing new.

[esmittystud101]

Oh my God, you guys can't read between the lines at all. I know this, everyone knows this. Sorry that I didn't point it out to the guys that can't read between the lines. Its the fact they are trying to "Rush" it out all of a sudden (Xbox One S). Heard nothing regarding a slim model (yes you would seen a slim model eventually) until Microsoft almost overnight released one.

Jesus................if I only had you gamers here with me at my job to walk me through my day, I would have it made.

[NotEvenMyFinalForm]

PS1, PS2 and PS3 all had slim versions in their 3rd year, so why the PS4 wouldn't have a slim in its 3rd year too? Don't you use common sense?

[esmittystud101]

Oh my God, you guys can't read between the lines at all. I know this, everyone knows this. Sorry that I didn't point it out to the guys that can't read between the lines. Its the fact they are trying to "Rush" it out all of a sudden (Xbox One S). Heard nothing regarding a slim model (yes you would seen a slim model eventually) until Microsoft almost overnight released one. LOL

Jesus................if I only had you gamers here with me at my job to walk me through my day, I would have it made.

[OB1Biker]

haha you guys have some tortuous ways of thinking.
Like you could say the other way round (and no you cant magically create a console in a few months to react to the competition) it would be silly too.

[esmittystud101]

Yeah, Sony must have been working on the slim model for forever now. Since it has identical specs as the regular PS4........................... ..but Xbox One S has better specs than the X1................I would say Microsoft has had more time with there slim than Sony has with there's.

The slim model is in a smaller case and they rearranged some parts inside..........thats it. This must have took them months to research to figure out. Months.

[cd1]

You talk absolute rubbish mate.

[SouljAx360]

Why do people keep saying that Neo isn't worth it unless you have a 4k TV? Do people think for 1 second that games are actually gonna be 4k on Neo? The big AAA titles won't be. Neo will be worth it even if you have a 1080p TV if you care about graphics and FPS. There will definitely be a difference between the games on both base console and Neo no matter what resolution your TV is.

[Mr_Writer85]

As said, price.

Sony can keep the great run by cutting the price of the PS4, having the slim at the PS4 RRP and have the NEO the more expensive option.

[StormLegend]

Having a cheap PS4 is the best thing ever! Now kids and adults who didn't have the money at the time can now pick up a brand new system. It even comes with an improved controller and it's smaller! Then finally if you want more power and 4K resolution you can get the PS4 Neo.

[mark_parch]

it comes down to price. with all the feature missing from the slim it has to be $50-100 cheaper than the xbox one s. i think the neo will be $450-500

[firelogic]

Why did people buy PS1 slims when the PS2 was out? Why did people buy PS2 slims when the PS3 was out? Why did people buy PS3 slims when the PS4 was out? It's incredibly odd that the existence of the PS4 slim is debated. It's not like this is the first time this has happened.

And to want extra bells and whistles in the slim version is also odd. This is supposed to be a cheaper PS4. Not the same price or almost the same price as a PS4 with extraneous 4k features added to it. Sony's goal is to reduce materials and manufacturing costs and thereby reduce the price and still make a profit on it. Also gives people who were hesitant to buy a PS4 a reason to do so as I think they'll price it at $250 to differentiate it clearly from the Neo which will likely go for $400.

Everyone expecting a cost cutting measure to be more feature filled is weird. You want bells and whistles? Get a Neo.

Not to mention, not everyone that will eventually own a PS4 already has one. There's only like 45 million out in the wild. Do you think Sony sold 120 million PS2s all within the first 3 years?

[ocelot07]

Price, budget, No need for 4K, spare/second console, kids ect. Lots of reasons.

[NotEvenMyFinalForm]

I swear to god these websites play dumb to make stupid articles they know will get them clicks from people going straight to their comment sections to state the obvious.

[masterfox]

cause is going to be cheaper ?

[Tobsesan]

If its cheaper as the normal PS4, that could be it. But if its around 300-350$ its not really worth it, since you are getting more with the old ps4.

[fudgenasty21]

sony wants to cut costs and the slim is cheaper then the current model stupid

[Fullmetalevolust]

I think it's an affordable console for those who haven't bitten yet and will not bite if the NEO is priced the same way or more than a regular ps4 at launch. I think it's genius for the holidays.

[DeeBeers]

Meanwhile, Xbox One S is deader than last year's cat bcuz Scorpio.

hoooooray 4 N4G!

[peewee11016]

Why buy an xbox S when Scorpio is coming lol?

[Kokyu]

Price and market share cheaper produced console allows them to lower cost for themselves but still make a prpfit and lure on those who havent purchased current gen systems yet. Pretty simple

[IamTylerDurden1]

For ppl who don't have a 4K TV and want to pay 249.99 rather than 399.99 for a PS4...

There's your answer.

[Lsbb]

Budget console

[spoilerjerk]

I am still of the mindset that if your economic situation is so bad that $100 makes a world of difference when buying something like a gaming console then you probably shouldn't be buying a gaming console to begin with.