Recent rumours, unearthed by Kotaku, suggested that Sony was developing an upgraded PlayStation 4. The machine, those rumours said, would enable the PlayStation to play games in glorious 4K, and feature a more powerful GPU.
Eurogamer has “independently established that it’s real,” adding that the internal codename – the one being bandied about y most – is PlayStation 4K.
In their lengthy report, Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry outlines the changes that could be made to the PlayStation 4, what APU might be employed and discusses whether or not it’s really viable. They’ve surmised, as we did, that it would take significantly more computational power than is currently available to run games at a native 4K that look like the games we currently enjoy on the system.
“Everything we’ve heard positions PlayStation 4K as a machine capable of playing current and next-generation ultra HD media, while also offering support for other aspects of the 4K spec, such as high-dynamic range and a wider colour gamut – aspects of the 4K spec that could be introduced to gaming,” it states. “However, in terms of additional computational power, we’ve got be realistic about what Sony can deliver with a mid-generation refresh.
“We can say that with some degree of certainty because PlayStation 4K will almost certainly use an evolved version of the APU technology used in the current console. Once again we will see semi-custom versions of AMD’s CPU and GPU technology integrated into a single, console-friendly processor, and thanks to the firm’s openness with its technology roadmaps, we have a good idea of the base building blocks Sony has access to in building its next PlayStation.
“Knowledge of both of these areas, along with the idea that the device has to fit into a console form-factor, not to mention the compatibility required with the existing PlayStation 4, narrows the amount of options Sony has available significantly.”
The next question that needs asking, of course, is whether or not those who’ve already bought a PlayStation 4 will end up with the short end of the stick. The Ps4 as its stands isn’t exactly upgradeable. Would its mid-generational refresh be available through some sort of trade-in program, or would existing owners have to buy the system anew to take advantage of whatever new hardware is to be found in the PlayStation 4K?
Last Updated: March 24, 2016
Pariah
March 24, 2016 at 12:59
Consoles – the new upgrade headaches.
To be honest, this generation of consoles has killed everything I loved about consoles. The ease of use, pop-in-and-play, no internet requirements, couch co-op (not the fun kind, sadly), no worrying about drivers or upgrades.
All gone. I’m sticking to my PC.
Umar
March 24, 2016 at 13:02
For now, it’s best to wait and see how it all pans out. I highly doubt Sony wouldn’t offer a trade-in system, especially with over 35 million gamers out there with a PS4…but time will tell. Personally, I think it’s crappy, but I understand.
Fnuik
March 24, 2016 at 13:03
Personally I don’t care if a game is 720p or 1080p or 4k or 44k. As long as the upgrade does not mean I can’t play certain games on my original ps4 they can do what they want. But if I want to play a ps4 game and it needs a ps4k to play I will be pissed.
Umar
March 24, 2016 at 13:04
Same here. It’s all speculation right now, but that is a very real scenario that could happen.
Ottokie
March 24, 2016 at 13:07
And of course I bought a PS4 1 week ago -_-
Loftus
March 24, 2016 at 13:10
TIA remember, ps4.5 wil only be here 2020 and will cost 44K by then
Ottokie
March 24, 2016 at 13:10
phew…
Loftus
March 24, 2016 at 13:11
now get yourself some Bloodborne and learn what is true suffering. bwhahahaha
Ottokie
March 24, 2016 at 13:12
I am sitting here today trying to choose between Witcher 3 and Fallout 4. Still have no clue on what to pick. Both are going to need some serious hours to finish so buying both right now is out (financially)
Loftus
March 24, 2016 at 13:25
Having played both i can say that The Witcher 3 was my favourite, but Fallout 4 is pretty damn good. If the games came out in different years they both would have won Game of the Year.
Ottokie
March 24, 2016 at 13:26
Thanks, I think I will grab Witcher 3 first. Console and story games go hand in hand
Admiral Chief in New York
March 24, 2016 at 14:01
Getting TW3 will ensure my victory for sure
Ottokie
March 24, 2016 at 14:04
Or will it?
Original Heretic
March 24, 2016 at 14:04
W3 is great. Bloodborne would still be my first choice though.
GooseZA
March 24, 2016 at 14:04
This.
GooseZA
March 24, 2016 at 14:02
The correct answer is Bloodborne, and I can’t even play it as I’m on XB1.
*waits 3 weeks for Dark Souls 3
Edit: I’ve played TW3 and FO4. They’re great, but just too damn long for me. Got about 70% through both and then lost interest.
Witcher is VERY pretty though.
Ottokie
March 24, 2016 at 14:05
Either way I will have a look into Bloodborne. Was not really on my radar so I know little about it.
GooseZA
March 24, 2016 at 14:06
Do you like Souls games? If so it’s a no brainer in my opinion.
Ottokie
March 24, 2016 at 14:07
Bought Dark Souls with the intention to play. Now sits on my mountain high backlog.
GooseZA
March 24, 2016 at 14:09
Truly amazing game.
Ottokie
March 24, 2016 at 14:10
I think the crappy port to PC is what made me not play.
Original Heretic
March 24, 2016 at 15:41
You need to play Dark Souls. You can avoid DS2, it was too derivative of 1. But Bloodborne is fantastic. Gothic Horror version of Dark Souls.
DS3 is coming!!
Admiral Chief in New York
March 24, 2016 at 14:00
JY WIL MOS!
RinceThis
March 24, 2016 at 13:10
Erm, if only high-end PCs can run at 4k how the hell is a PS4 supposed to? I call bullshit on that spec.
Fox1 - Retro
March 24, 2016 at 13:39
That’s what a lab is for, cooking up ideas.
Fox1 - Retro
March 24, 2016 at 13:21
Will the PS4k be getting DriveClub VR as a launch title? #tooSoon
Ryanza
March 24, 2016 at 13:24
We heading for the 3rd year of this console generation and they didn’t start off great. PS4 was released in 2013 and it was already 3 years old.
2016 = 6 years ago, old tech.
Last gen lasted 8 years.
Any upgrade to a console = new console generation with backward compatibility.
This is the future of the console business. With added DRM.
Scott Lee Clayton
March 24, 2016 at 13:24
Well a cynic might say that Sony knows they have a massive user base already and they also have a shed load of unsold 4K TV’s lying about.. umm I cant quite make the connection there myself but they probably is one…. 😉
Hello Cruel World
March 24, 2016 at 13:27
Only if it costs 4k too
Ryanza
March 24, 2016 at 13:28
PS4K now that’s genius to sell 4k tech. Now I’m interested, only if the console can match the power expectation.
Sageville
March 24, 2016 at 13:36
This is too soon, the 4K market isn’t there yet.
Fox1 - Retro
March 24, 2016 at 13:42
Last generation Sony told us that there’s no need for 1080p and now they are jumping onto 4k.
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
March 24, 2016 at 16:25
I doubt it, at most it’ll be a smaller form factor and maybe a few network upgrades, how people jump to the 4k bandwagon is ridiculous, a single GPU solution with as much RAM in it as the entire console, the whole thing, can barely keep up with 4k, it’s also very expensive, people complained about paying the usual R6k for console startup sales, increasing that threefold and ending up with just the GPU?
Jonah Cash
March 24, 2016 at 19:47
If all games come out with the option of playing it in 4K or the standard 1080p. Then I don’t care. Not like the PC guy with the GTX650 cares that he has to play The Division on Medium settings…