Just a few days ago, word got out that Sony was developing a “PS4.5” that will not only support 4K resolution gaming, but will allegedly come with an upgraded GPU.
While we can’t be certain what Sony has in mind for this upgraded PS4 or even if it’s real, is this something PlayStation gamers would want? This very question is what the PlayStation LifeStyle crew tackles in this week’s Now Loading.
Now that you’ve read what the PSLS staff has to say, what’s your take on this PS4.5? Are you OK with it or should Sony just release a PS4 Slim and save whatever GPU power it’s planning for the PS5? Don’t forget, we don’t know for certain if this added GPU can be used for traditional games or is there just for PSVR. Same as before, let us know what you think in the comments below.
Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).
Essential Reading:
- Now Loading…What Do You Make of That PlayStation VR Price?
- How PlayStation Vue Stacks Up to the Competition
- PS4 Indie Games to Watch Out for in 2016
Now Loading...PS4.5?
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Now Loading...What Do You Make of PS4.5 and Are You OK With It?
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Stephen Bitto
I'm against the introduction of a more powerful version of PS4. It makes no sense to upset all the goodwill that's been established. Sony is demolishing the competition and the market isn't demanding this at all. Releasing a PS4.5 could even impact PSVR sales with consumers deciding to wait on one of the two instead of dropping $800 at once. I don't see any benefits to launching a half step console in a generation that already felt like a half step.
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Zarmena Khan
If this is true then Sony needs to stop getting ahead of itself. I see no point in investing time and resources into yet another console rather than strengthening and supporting what you already have out there. Sony undoubtedly has good ideas on paper, but has a bad habit of rushing out with new technology with little market research, only to end up having to regret it.
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Michael Briers
Yeah, not a fan. I just struggle to see the benefit. Practically from day one Sony has been on top form when it comes to PlayStation 4 marketing, and introducing a PS4.5 would surely raise a lot of mixed messaging. You see it with Nintendo and the numerous 3DS models, with folks confused about whether an old game will run on the new system or vice versa. Zarmena's right, this reads like a rushed attempt to appease a small portion of the console's 38 million strong install base and at two-and-a-half-years into the lifecycle, I'm not ready to render my launch PS4 as obsolete.
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Heath Hindman
I just hope it's not backwards compatible with my PS4. I mean I'm buying PS4.5 to play PS4.5 games, after all.
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Paulmichael Contreras
I may be in the minority here, but I actually welcome such a device, on a few conditions - it's not a new console, and I can attach it to my existing PS4 to reap the same benefits as the combined model. Think of the Nintendo 64, and its expansion pak. With the device, extra-high-resolution textures in a game are unlocked, maybe a new map or mission or two, but nothing major. Without it, you get "standard" textures. Never, ever require the device in order to run any PS4 game. This may be doable, however. The PS4 only has USB 3.0 ports, which, while relatively fast by file-transfer speeds of around 5 gbit/s, is doggedly slow by memory speeds, which is crucial for any kind of graphical upgrade. Sony needs to focus on giving us the best VR experience for the best price, and little else is needed right now. -
Chandler Wood
I'm against the idea. I don't PC game for this very reason. There are two gamers in my house and I don't want to have to upgrade my consoles for another number of years. If it's just an add on that boosts the current performance of my existing console, I am little more open to the idea, but the thought of completely replacing PS4s right now feels like a fragmentation of the audience and a cheap shot to any one of the 38 million plus PS4s that are out there right now. Let's focus on one thing at a time Sony. Let's make VR successful, then start thinking about succeeding the PS4.
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Alex Co
I'm OK with the idea of a new PS4 that can support 4K resolution and maybe add a bit more oomph to a game's visuals. That said, I completely understand why people -- and even staff members -- are opposed to the idea. It makes the original PS4 old news, and even if games on PS4.5 will always work with the PS4, people will see their (PS4) version as the inferior one and so on. I mean, gamers are the worst when it comes to wanting the newest stuff (same reason why we all buy games on release day even if we have a ton of backlogged games), and no doubt, some people will be pressured to buy the latest PlayStation hardware.
Will I buy or get a PS4.5 if it ever becomes a reality? Yep, you betcha! But don't be surprised if Sony does this and gets a ton of backlash and whatnot.
The only way I see this being kinda OK is if the Xbox One did it and Sony is doing it at the same time or following suit. Weird logic but I guarantee you, gamers will be OK with it since the competition is doing t and they don't want their preferred platform of choice deemed inferior.
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Mack Ashworth
I'd rather Sony save this hardware buff for a PS5. Hopefully this upgrade won't be necessary to fully enjoy PlayStation VR games, and I'd feel betrayed if the demos we've seen so far were ran on something other than a PlayStation 4.
4K resolution sounds like a silly target to aim for, considering many PS4 games struggle to maintain 30fps at 1080p.
