Reports on Friday have suggested Sony could be working on a more powerful PlayStation 4 console in order to enable a new breed of 4K games.
Kotaku sources say the so-called PlayStation 4.5 consoles will include superior graphics cards that would enable games to be played at four times the current 1080p resolution.
Sony was openly heard chatting to developers about the machine during GDC according to the Kotaku report, while private meetings are also thought to have taken place.
See also: PlayStation VR vs HTC Vive
Sony has declined to comment on the report, issuing the standard “We can’t comment on rumours or speculation,” response.
The sources have no word on whether the new system would cost more than the current model and when it may be released.
One developer did say they felt the machine was ‘exploratory,’ and could launch in 2017, rather than this year.
Currently it is unclear whether this update would be available as an add-on for the 36 million plus PS4 owners out there, or whether they’d be able to upgrade easily should the new machine come to market.
Could this machine be Sony’s key to competing with the high powered PCs required for the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive?
How much of a backlash would there be from current PS4 owners if their experience suddenly became inferior?
Share your thoughts in the comments section 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.