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[SolidSnakex]

There's little point to a mild, incremental upgrade at the end of a gen. PS4K would keep things fresh, avoids disenfranchising the average punter, and gives enthusiasts a chance to part with their money. Choice is a wonderful thing.

But this isn't an incremental upgrade if it's true that it's capable of running current gen games at 4K. That's a generational jump in terms of power. This is why it seems so unlikely for this year. It would be very expensive when it's very obvious that Sony's moving away from the PS3 model of making something that's powerful yet also a money sink.

 

[Protann]

Yeah, lol.

"I hate the idea of upgrading, so I'm going to move to PC gaming".

Well, if upgrading machines is going to now be a constant for consoles (and it already is for PC), why not jump in to PC so you can actually customize what to upgrade and how much to upgrade it, at your own pace? Why let Sony dictate how you upgrade your machine? Cut out the (probably overpriced) middleman in Sony and do it yourself. That combined with Microsoft implying that Xbox games may start coming to PC, and PC starts to look very, very nice.

 

[RoboPlato]

But this isn't an incremental upgrade if it's true that it's capable of running current gen games at 4K. That's a generational jump in terms of power. This is why it seems so unlikely for this year. It would be very expensive when it's very obvious that Sony's moving away from the PS3 model of making something that's powerful yet also a money sink.

We really need clarification on native 4k or upscaled 4k support for games. There's a major difference and I think it'll be the latter. Could be like the PS3 where some stuff was 1080p like movies, indie titles, and the XMB but most was 720p upscaled. I really think this is just an update around the new HDMI spec for 4k.

 

[ninjablade]

That won't work when current games are already struggling to run on current hardware. Unless you want to play the next Assassins Creed at 20fps.

Unless this is purely to push 4k movie/streaming support and PS VR, this will likely flop on its head and take the Ps4 with it.

most game are running just fine on consoles now. i really don't see the big deal about this considering even a 750ti can out perform a ps4 in most multiplatform games cause of the weak cpu, most games lead on pc anyway these days.

 

[timmyp53]

I think for me the biggest concern is optimization. Devs are already struggling to optimize for one set up, now add in another one and what will happen?

Graphical presets and settings most likely with old ps4 simply locked out. Welcome to Playstation branded PCs

 

[XxRampage07xX]

But the difference here is that Sony will not put labels on games saying "this is only for the PS4.5". New 3DS Only ames wont work on a regular 3DS, whereas with Sony, they will have all new games work on both units, just one will run games with better resolution/framerate and better image quality.

Hmm this is just my opinion but I think Sony's plan of PS4.5 will work even better Nintendo's New 3DS because with more powerful and capable hardware, PS4.5 will do a better job than "old" PS4 at attracting enthusiastic audience who demand better graphics and framerate from consoles. With more target market, Sony should be able sell more PS4s while also not pissing off their casual customers by not dropping support on their "old" PS4.

 

[Hawk269]

But this isn't an incremental upgrade if it's true that it's capable of running current gen games at 4K. That's a generational jump in terms of power. This is why it seems so unlikely for this year. It would be very expensive when it's very obvious that Sony's moving away from the PS3 model of making something that's powerful yet also a money sink.

Where is that coming from? I don't think anyone has said that they are taking current gen games and they will run in 4k. I think you may be reading into something that is not viable on a home console for a few years. I have a high end gaming rig and I have current gen games on it and trying to get them to run in 4k at very good FPS is near impossible and we are talking about 2 $1,000.00 GPU's. Not to include a very high end CPU and other parts to make it as efficient as possible. 4k gaming with anything other than very low end indie games that don't require fancy graphics can be done, but not anything outside of that.

 

[xaosslug]

I think the 3dsXL was the only one that wasn't a confusing mistake.

3ds was a confusing mistake because it wasn't clearly a new console gen by name. a lot of people just thought it was the DS with 3d support.

the new 3ds is also confusing because it's not clear what the hell it is, is it a new model, a new console like the 3ds ect.

the 3ds xl is easy... it's a bigger version of a 3ds

lmao, see what I mean? I meant the 'new' 3DS!

 

[lynux3]

Well, if upgrading machines is going to now be a constant for consoles (and it already is for PC), why not jump in to PC so you can actually customize what to upgrade and how much to upgrade it, at your own pace? Why let Sony dictate how you upgrade your machine? Cut out the (probably overpriced) middleman in Sony and do it yourself. That combined with Microsoft implying that Xbox games may start coming to PC, and PC starts to look very, very nice.

Who says my PlayStation 4 is going to go unsupported in the foreseeable future?

 

[scabro]

ps4.5 comes out, sony mandates all games must work on ps4

3 years later ps5 comes out, all games must work on 4.5

3 years later ps5.5 comes out, all games must work on ps5

at this point, its effectively a new console generation every 6 years.

seems like the natural progression

 

[CaptainGyro]

I think this is a separate argument. If the PS4 has no games you want, then by all means stick with the PC. It is my main platform as well. An upgraded version of the PS4 isn't a reason to stay away from the PS4 platform. If anything just buy the upgraded model and you are set for the next five plus years.

hypothetically if the devs were trying their hardest to milk the low tier ps4's power for all it was worth to maximize performance of games with it, and used the upgrade for things that were flatout impossible on the older ps4, I don't really have a problem with it. It doesn't make me exactly eager to believe that is what's going to happen though

 

[AmyS]

IGN video - Is The PS4.5 Real?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTLyV3ZmcT4

Edit: just them speculating.

 

[Hawk269]

Hmm this is just my opinion but I think Sony's plan of PS4.5 will work even better Nintendo's New 3DS because with more powerful and capable hardware, PS4.5 will do a better job than "old" PS4 at attracting enthusiastic audience who demand better graphics and framerate from consoles. With more target market, Sony should be able sell more PS4s while also not pissing off their casual customers by not dropping support on their "old" PS4.

I agree with you on that. I think the market and the average consumer is so much different than it was 10 years ago. Today, if a person walks into a Best Buy and sees a PS4 sitting next to the PS4.5 and they ask the clerk what is the difference, the clerk will simply say. They both play the same games, but if you buy the 4.5 system, the games will run better, it has a bigger hard drive and better graphics. The consumer will then decide, do I want to spend $299.99 for a 500gb PS4 or $399.99 for 1TB PS4.5 that has better graphics and more HDD Space. The key to all of this will be that regardless of what system you buy, all PS4 games will run on both consoles no matter what.

One thing I have seen a few people post is about the existing, already released games. I really don't think that you can bring home a PS4.5 and all of sudden your copy of The Division will be running at 60fps. I am sure if this is all true, that some games may get a patch to boost performance, but I don't see it happening with a lot of games. It will be more of a forward thing. But with that said, they would need to have some games ready to show the difference, because they have to have something to show the consumer why one is more expensive than the other.

 

[Bgamer90]

I agree with you on that. I think the market and the average consumer is so much different than it was 10 years ago. Today, if a person walks into a Best Buy and sees a PS4 sitting next to the PS4.5 and they ask the clerk what is the difference, the clerk will simply say. They both play the same games, but if you buy the 4.5 system, the games will run better, it has a bigger hard drive and better graphics. The consumer will then decide, do I want to spend $299.99 for a 500gb PS4 or $399.99 for 1TB PS4.5 that has better graphics and more HDD Space. The key to all of this will be that regardless of what system you buy, all PS4 games will run on both consoles no matter what.

One thing I have seen a few people post is about the existing, already released games. I really don't think that you can bring home a PS4.5 and all of sudden your copy of The Division will be running at 60fps. I am sure if this is all true, that some games may get a patch to boost performance, but I don't see it happening with a lot of games. It will be more of a forward thing. But with that said, they would need to have some games ready to show the difference, because they have to have something to show the consumer why one is more expensive than the other.

Completely agree with this post. This makes the most sense.

I think the popular multiplats and exclusives will get performance patches while everything else outside of that will mostly run the same on the "PS4.5" as they do on the PS4.

 

[MrCunningham]

If this turns out to be true, last gen was strung out for so long that it is taking its toll on this gen of consoles.

 

[What A Time To Be Alive]

Honestly the only problem I see with this being a thing is how the hell they are going to market it.

You saw the disater that was the 3DS and now the New 3DS. Sony is going to have to figure out a way to educate the masses that one PS4 is the new one and how the "upgrade system" will work. Which may be hard to do.

Really this is something that I believe is going to happen. Since this way hardware won't be in the way anymore when it comes to consoles. It will just be a focus of software and services which has already been evident this generation. Now the "generational leaps" will be far less and more comparable to a new mobile phone launch.

 

[GasProblem]

Not looking forward having to shell out €400 every 3-4 years to be able to play games with a reasonable frame rate. Sure, games will stay playable on the older versions, but I expect them to run like absolute shit. 30 fps with 15 fps dips all over the place and no multiplayer because reasons.

Well, at least this E3 is going to be an interesting one.

 

[XxRampage07xX]

I agree with you on that. I think the market and the average consumer is so much different than it was 10 years ago. Today, if a person walks into a Best Buy and sees a PS4 sitting next to the PS4.5 and they ask the clerk what is the difference, the clerk will simply say. They both play the same games, but if you buy the 4.5 system, the games will run better, it has a bigger hard drive and better graphics. The consumer will then decide, do I want to spend $299.99 for a 500gb PS4 or $399.99 for 1TB PS4.5 that has better graphics and more HDD Space. The key to all of this will be that regardless of what system you buy, all PS4 games will run on both consoles no matter what.

One thing I have seen a few people post is about the existing, already released games. I really don't think that you can bring home a PS4.5 and all of sudden your copy of The Division will be running at 60fps. I am sure if this is all true, that some games may get a patch to boost performance, but I don't see it happening with a lot of games. It will be more of a forward thing. But with that said, they would need to have some games ready to show the difference, because they have to have something to show the consumer why one is more expensive than the other.

Totally agree with you. I'm curious to see how Sony will carry out their plan since what they are doing is risky yet very ambitious.

 

[What A Time To Be Alive]

When it comes to this though couldn't they get devs to focus on the "base" PS4 and make sure that runs good and then work their way up?

It would make sense from that standpoint because then the the people who have the "old" PS4 would for example have a game that's running at 1080p30 whereas the "new" PS4 would run the game at a solid 1080p60. Also changes when it comes textures and stuff like that but I feel it could work.

Well in my mind it does.

 

[Fredrik]

I know I wouldn't have bought my PS4 if I knew a superior one was going to be released 2-3 years later, especially considering the fact that there's been a grand total of 2 quality exclusives on the machine during that time.

I'd still be there day 1 but I get what you're saying.

Nintendo is in a way way better situation to release a new console, their problem has only been about getting third party games on the platform, those who like Nintendo games is generally speaking quite happy with the output on WiiU as a Nintendo fan, or will be when Zelda U is out.

Microsoft is in a better position too to update their console from a 1st party fan perspective since they've been pouring out their first party stuff quite aggressively, most first party fans will probably be fine with Microsoft's output once Gears of War 4 is out. (No the remaster don't count, that's not why you buy a new console).

But I think it's safe to say that Sony is still trying to push out their first wave of first party exclusives, exclude the remasters and it's quite barred from a first party fan perspective and I think talking about upgrading the console at this point would be damaging the brand quite a lot.

But as always, assume that a rumour is fake until proven otherwise.

 

[jroc74]

Well, if upgrading machines is going to now be a constant for consoles (and it already is for PC), why not jump in to PC so you can actually customize what to upgrade and how much to upgrade it, at your own pace? Why let Sony dictate how you upgrade your machine? Cut out the (probably overpriced) middleman in Sony and do it yourself. That combined with Microsoft implying that Xbox games may start coming to PC, and PC starts to look very, very nice.

Yea...its not nonsense to say might as well go to PC gaming where you have full control over the specs.

Makes total sense to those saying this.

 

[labx]

I agree with you on that. I think the market and the average consumer is so much different than it was 10 years ago. Today, if a person walks into a Best Buy and sees a PS4 sitting next to the PS4.5 and they ask the clerk what is the difference, the clerk will simply say. They both play the same games, but if you buy the 4.5 system, the games will run better, it has a bigger hard drive and better graphics. The consumer will then decide, do I want to spend $299.99 for a 500gb PS4 or $399.99 for 1TB PS4.5 that has better graphics and more HDD Space. The key to all of this will be that regardless of what system you buy, all PS4 games will run on both consoles no matter what.

One thing I have seen a few people post is about the existing, already released games. I really don't think that you can bring home a PS4.5 and all of sudden your copy of The Division will be running at 60fps. I am sure if this is all true, that some games may get a patch to boost performance, but I don't see it happening with a lot of games. It will be more of a forward thing. But with that said, they would need to have some games ready to show the difference, because they have to have something to show the consumer why one is more expensive than the other.

Uncharted 4. Maybe all of this was the cause of the multiple delays?

 

[Lionel Richie]

ps4.5 comes out, sony mandates all games must work on ps4

3 years later ps5 comes out, all games must work on 4.5

3 years later ps5.5 comes out, all games must work on ps5

at this point, its effectively a new console generation every 6 years.

seems like the natural progression

But knowing that this is going to be frequent, why would anyone buy the first model of the console? A better one is arriving not that long in the future and the first few years of the generation have been very slow so you would't even miss much.

 

[-hadouken]

We really need clarification on native 4k or upscaled 4k support for games. There's a major difference and I think it'll be the latter. Could be like the PS3 where some stuff was 1080p like movies, indie titles, and the XMB but most was 720p upscaled. I really think this is just an update around the new HDMI spec for 4k.

I'd happily wager $100 that this is the case. A console capable of native 4K AAA games won't have a 4 in its name. Any takers?

 

[DeepEnigma]

Watch it be a PS4 'set top box' with built in Android Play support, and 4k video capability.

 

[The Spoony Hou]

So that's about the same as having shorter generations and having BC. If they bring BC back (with PS2 and PS3), I'm in.

 

[SolidSnakex]

We really need clarification on native 4k or upscaled 4k support for games. There's a major difference and I think it'll be the latter. Could be like the PS3 where some stuff was 1080p like movies, indie titles, and the XMB but most was 720p upscaled. I really think this is just an update around the new HDMI spec for 4k.

Where is that coming from? I don't think anyone has said that they are taking current gen games and they will run in 4k. I think you may be reading into something that is not viable on a home console for a few years. I have a high end gaming rig and I have current gen games on it and trying to get them to run in 4k at very good FPS is near impossible and we are talking about 2 $1,000.00 GPU's. Not to include a very high end CPU and other parts to make it as efficient as possible. 4k gaming with anything other than very low end indie games that don't require fancy graphics can be done, but not anything outside of that.

Klepek said that he asked if the 4K was for games or just movies, and the developer said that it was for games. It's just one of the reasons why a 2016 launch doesn't make any sense for Sony.

 

[Two Words]

PS5 has a nice ring to it. It sounds so futuristic, can't believe we're at 5. If they dev now, a year or two later would have PS4 at 4 or 5 years old. Sounds about the right time.

There is no way that they don't call this thing PS4K.

 

[Introvese]

ps4.5 comes out, sony mandates all games must work on ps4

3 years later ps5 comes out, all games must work on 4.5

3 years later ps5.5 comes out, all games must work on ps5

at this point, its effectively a new console generation every 6 years.

seems like the natural progression

I just don't see this working with consoles tho. If the only difference is graphics. Why would majority of ps4 owners want to upgrade?

Idk this year is crazy. I'm scared of what's the big story next. My heart can't take it

 

[MrCunningham]

Honestly the only problem I see with this being a thing is how the hell they are going to market it.

Introducing the: PS4K!

A new machine that may run some (but possibly not all) of your current gen games at high end 4K resolution and will enhance later game releases....

ehhh....

is it really a good idea for them to release an incremental upgrade for a home console? And will they offer a trade-up program for current PS4 owners?

 

[Javin98]

We really need clarification on native 4k or upscaled 4k support for games. There's a major difference and I think it'll be the latter. Could be like the PS3 where some stuff was 1080p like movies, indie titles, and the XMB but most was 720p upscaled. I really think this is just an update around the new HDMI spec for 4k.

I definitely think the latter is the case as well. It is simply impossible to pack a GPU around the power of a GTX 970 in a console at an affordable price at the end of this year or even next. The more likely scenario I can see happening at E3 is a Slim revision being announced with support for 4K Blu Ray via HDMI 2.2 and perhaps 4K res for indie games.

 

[daveo42]

ps4.5 comes out, sony mandates all games must work on ps4

3 years later ps5 comes out, all games must work on 4.5

3 years later ps5.5 comes out, all games must work on ps5

at this point, its effectively a new console generation every 6 years.

seems like the natural progression

I could see this working, though I would probably pass on buying a new console ever three years and instead just pick one up every new generation, unless console prices dropped or other incentives were offered, like a trade-in credit or something.

 

[-hadouken]

Honestly the only problem I see with this being a thing is how the hell they are going to market it.

I'd usually agree that marketing an incremental hardware upgrade would be tricky. However in this case they can ride the 4K buzz. PS4K is for A/V aficionados and VR - those without 4K teles can feel content that they're not paying for what they don't need. In reality all I want is a small system boost to run our games natively at 1080P. The 4K will simply be UHD BluRay and 4K upscaling.

 

[timmyp53]

What does Sony do about sales after E3 announcement all the way till November.

 

[Fredrik]

But knowing that this is going to be frequent, why would anyone buy the first model of the console? A better one is arriving not that long in the future and the first few years of the generation have been very slow so you would't even miss much.

In a scenario like that it would be like iPhone upgrades. People are still buying the non-S iPhones, but some always wait for the S-model, and some buy them both, and in the end Apple keeps making a ton of cash.
The key thing to get this to work is total backwards- and forward compatibility with the whole games library.

 

[XxRampage07xX]

Uncharted 4. Maybe all of this was the cause of the multiple delays?

Yeah this seems possible. Maybe ND had to delay the game so that they had more time to work on extra assests for the PS4.5 version.

 

[Quasar]

Well, if upgrading machines is going to now be a constant for consoles (and it already is for PC), why not jump in to PC so you can actually customize what to upgrade and how much to upgrade it, at your own pace? Why let Sony dictate how you upgrade your machine? Cut out the (probably overpriced) middleman in Sony and do it yourself. That combined with Microsoft implying that Xbox games may start coming to PC, and PC starts to look very, very nice.

Well cost probably might be one reason. Certainly thats pretty much why I decided on going with psvr rather upgrading my pc (which would amount to only keeping my case and hard drives) and buying a vive (which is crazy expensive here due to reasons).

$400 every 6 years on console is much less I think than I'd need than if I was keeping a gaming rig going, especially if its a small form factor machine to be put in a living room. 400$ basically just covers a graphics card upgrade.

 

[zulux21]

Klepek said that he asked if the 4K was for games or just movies, and the developer said that it was for games. It's just one of the reasons why a 2016 launch doesn't make any sense for Sony.

to be fair the ps3 had a couple 1080p/60 games.

heck didn't the ps2 even have a 1080/30 game (I think it was GT and I think it required 4 ps2 to pull off though)

it won't be the norm though. it can easily be a comment that games can do that, as with the current specs of the ps4 if it was able to output at 4k it could have a few games at that. small indie games that could run on the ps2, but still some games

 

[longdi]

I used to like this idea seeing how phones and tablets have been going at it.

But a new PS console is not cheap, games are not cheap, PSN subs are not cheap.

Hence i rather, have been, sticking to upgrading my PC. I can multi-task the hell out of it, i can browse Chrome with 20 tabs, alt-tab in/out of games, all without a hint of slow down.

 

[SolarMystic]

most game are running just fine on consoles now. i really don't see the big deal about this considering even a 750ti can out perform a ps4 in most multiplatform games cause of the weak cpu, most games lead on pc anyway these days.

My point is that games made for these "upgraded" consoles won't just perform with "less" resolution or textures on the older models. Unless you are proposing developers will have to develop the game specifically for more consoles, which is unlikely and would be very costly.

 

[orochi91]

I used to like this idea seeing how phones and tablets have been going at it.

But a new PS console is not cheap, games are not cheap, PSN subs are not cheap.

Hence i rather, have been, sticking to upgrading my PC. I can multi-task the hell out of it, i can browse Chrome with 20 tabs, alt-tab in/out of games, all without a hint of slow down.

Yea, upgrading both consoles and PC will be a bit of a bitch for me.

Doable, but irritating nonetheless.

 

[Poster#1]

Why don't we all cut it short and buy PCs? Seriously, PS4 launched $400, PS 4.5 might be the same. That's $800. Add PS+ sub and you got a decent PC build that plays games 5 times better. Same thing for Xbox.

 

[AniHawk]

ps4.5 comes out, sony mandates all games must work on ps4

3 years later ps5 comes out, all games must work on 4.5

3 years later ps5.5 comes out, all games must work on ps5

at this point, its effectively a new console generation every 6 years.

seems like the natural progression

this makes sense to me. it's what nintendo did with 3ds and what i think they're doing with nx, and what it sounds like microsoft is doing with xb1.

 

[Cynn]

But knowing that this is going to be frequent, why would anyone buy the first model of the console? A better one is arriving not that long in the future and the first few years of the generation have been very slow so you would't even miss much.

I would buy launch consoles. Why? To play new games. I know people have their reasons but I'm not the type to just sit around for 3-5 years because a ".5" console revision is coming.

What about people who got a PS4 at launch? They purchased it so it would be their conslole for 8-10 years. It still can be. Who cares if a PS4.5 exists and plays games prettier? They didn't seem to care that their graphics would be the same for 8 years before. Why now? PC players are looking at prettier games than them right now and no one cares.

It's interesting.

 

[Steiner84]

where can i preorder`?

 

[Nictel]

• PC hardware is already superior to console hardware
• VR might take off in a huge way and requires strong GPU's
• Nintendo is releasing a new console
• There is a general feeling of disappointment with the performance increase over last generation
• Revolutionary new hardware tech such as HBM2 around the corner

It makes sense for both Sony and Microsoft to be exploring a possible incremental upgrade. Though this is probably wouldn't come out before Q4 2017.

The biggest problem for both companies is how you address this. There are already a lot of people strongly apposed to this idea. It requires a culture change, But with the ever faster changes in technology, consoles might have to.

Personally I already see these consoles as PC's, the hardware is not that different. However there is a big difference, because they are dedicates machines. If I have the choice of upgrading my console every ~2/3 years for $300,- to get the latest in gaming experience I would take it.

 

[ramparter]

3ds was a confusing mistake because it wasn't clearly a new console gen by name. a lot of people just thought it was the DS with 3d support.

I thinks that's our console culture problem. Up to now we we were defining new console with new names and we also had revision that were usually just smaller. Why it's easy to understand that iphone4s is strong than iphone4 but 3ds is just a DS? Because that's what we were used to, but it's time to change it.

 

[AniHawk]

It makes sense for both Sony and Microsoft to be exploring a possible incremental upgrade. Though this is probably wouldn't come out before Q4 2017.

apparently it's launching this year.

 

[Introvese]

In a scenario like that it would be like iPhone upgrades. People are still buying the non-S iPhones, but some always wait for the S-model, and some buy them both, and in the end Apple keeps making a ton of cash.
The key thing to get this to work is total backwards- and forward compatibility with the whole games library.

But this is where phones & consoles differ. It's so many ways to upgrade ur phone.

1. Ur contract can run out and get a free upgrade
2. Switching phone companies
3. Having good credit
4. Promotional offers for new users
5. Smartphone 4 life plans
So many times it cost so little to upgrade to new phone. That's why many do it.

Hell I got a extra iPhone 6 thru thru Verizon Just because I upgraded from a 5s two years ago. Idk I need to hear Sony On this one

 

[Fredrik]

Well cost probably might be one reason. Certainly thats pretty much why I decided on going with psvr rather upgrading my pc (which would amount to only keeping my case and hard drives) and buying a vive (which is crazy expensive here due to reasons).

$400 every 6 years on console is much less I think than I'd need than if I was keeping a gaming rig going, especially if its a small form factor machine to be put in a living room. 400$ basically just covers a graphics card upgrade.

People are still happily gaming with i5's so a $400 GPU upgrade would actually be quite a nice upgrade.

The problem with PC gaming comes when you buy your first rig and need not only a GPU but CPU, memory, motherboard, psu, chassi, monitor, mouse, keyboard, speaker system, etc. My rig I bought almost 2 years ago landed at ~€3000 :/
But that was a proper gaming rig that will run games way better than on consoles for many years to come.

Btw, the form factor problem can be solved with a Steam Link, I'm currently comfy couch gaming in my living room at 1080p on Ultra at 60fps with wireless controller on a completely silent tiny box.