According to a report, the PlayStation 4K won’t actually play games in 4K resolution.
Following last week’s Kotaku story about the rumoured PlayStation 4.5, Eurogamer appears to have confirmed that the new hardware is indeed real, and referred to by some teams as PlayStation 4K.
Digital Foundry claims to have confirmed the hardware’s existence from multiple sources, and PlayStation’s R&D department even has prototype devices. Digital Foundry provides a summary:
“[PlayStation 4K is] 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. However, in terms of additional computational power, we’ve got be realistic about what Sony can deliver with a mid-generation refresh.”
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The article then expands into detail the possible variants Sony could offer with this new hardware, including a hardware refresh with more powerful specs, or perhaps a less substantial upgrade in the form of a ‘PS4 slim’ that is compatible with both current games and future releases with 4K resolution.
Microsoft has already teased the potential for a mid-console-cycle refresh with comments from Xbox boss Phil Spencer discussing the limited ability to improve console hardware during its life cycle, compared to PCs, and how this is set to change:
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“When you look at the console space, I believe we will see more hardware innovation in the console space than we’ve ever seen. You’ll actually see us come out with new hardware capability during a generation allowing the same games to run backward and forward compatible because we have a Universal Windows Application running on top of the Universal Windows Platform that allows us to focus more and more on hardware innovation without invalidating the games that run on that platform.”
How do you feel about the possibility of new console hardware halfway through a generation? Would you be willing to fork out early for a new console if it’s only a marginal improvement over the one you already have? Let us know in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
