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[CosmicQueso]

I guess I don't see the pro's out weighing the con's

We don't know the pros and cons because we don't know the details yet. In your hypothetical, yes, there are lots of problems with the approach as you've constructed in your scenario.

But why is that the only scenario you're considering?

If it's not doomed then what is it?

Contracting into a profitable and healthy niche. Console gaming is not the dominant force in the marketplace anymore. And that's okay. It doesn't have to be, and contracting doesn't mean it has to go away entirely.

I'd be interested to hear the views of the 35 - 40+ year olds on this possibility. I personally don't have an issue with it. This reminds me of the 2 head to 4 head vhs tape machines. They played the same tapes, however the 4 head ones played and recorded at a better rate. The new machines introduced stereo recording (anyone remember nicam digital stereo?)

As long as the new units play the original games, and the upcoming games aren't split between these systems, I'm cool with it.

Old GAF reporting in. Yeah, that sounds about right. Marginal, mid-cycle upgrade to support the new TV I could theoretically buy. But if I wasn't going with a new TV I wouldn't care about the new upgrade. If that's the way this thing plays out, then we're just making mountains out of nothing.

 

[tehPete]

There were rumours that this might be the last traditional console cycle; looks like moving forwards they'll be going down the highly-customised and optimised PC route for hardware. Great for backwards compatibility, but it'll need to be very carefully managed in order to not result in major backlash. Will PS4k games play on standard PS4 hardware? Will developers be able to set scaling levels for games for the different platforms (PS4, 4k, 5 and onwards?).

Well at least it looks like we're back to 5 year 'console' cycles, pretty much in line with the significant improvements in GPU / CPU tech these days. We'll have to come up with another term; 'console' doesn't seem to apply anymore.

 

[cory64]

There aren't that many bespoke PS4 games compared to almost every other console at this point in its life so it does feel different. It's more of an ecosystem than a console.

 

[Planet]

This reminds me of the 2 head to 4 head vhs tape machines.

Game development is a completely different beast. Movie makers just have to produce in the best possible quality and they are set for whatever medium the result will be distributed.

If there really was a PS4.5 (i very highly doubt it), game developers would have to target two seperate profiles instead of one. That would be about the same as developing for PS4 alone or XBox One and PS4. Making even exclusive titles somewhat multiplatform. All kinds of problems can arise from that during development, effectively preventing taking advantage of the finest specifics of each system.

If this rumor turns out to be true (again: IMHO not likely at all), it would be a blow to the PS4, a sad day.

 

[Fine Ham Abounds]

I'd be interested to hear the views of the 35 - 40+ year olds on this possibility. I personally don't have an issue with it. This reminds me of the 2 head to 4 head vhs tape machines. They played the same tapes, however the 4 head ones played and recorded at a better rate. The new machines introduced stereo recording (anyone remember nicam digital stereo?)

As long as the new units play the original games, and the upcoming games aren't split between these systems, I'm cool with it.

I'm almost 40, and I haven't changed my phone in 5 years and don't care to until the battery dies. I am not the target for this kind of concept.

I'm really not sure how I feel about this. The biggest portion of my experience was in the 1985-2005 period where console cycles were like every 3 years, so the idea of upgrading constantly isn't foreign to me, but this is really quite different and basically means better performance within the same generation. I had no issue buying a slim 360 and PS3 because 7th gen lasted so long and the launch consoles had issues and I ended up needing replacements anyway.

I don't think I really care if this means I'm still playing the same games just with less optimal hardware. I might consider getting a 3rd iteration if the 2nd ended up well received, but who knows how console generations are going to work from here out or how long this one will last.

 

[Z3M0G]

Yea PC, not console. And I would assume your talking about Nvidia experience right? Which I don't use because It's shit.

Yea, consoles dont work that way. If that were the case N3DS and regular 3ds would be able to play same games.

I was going to argue against you, pointing out that there was only one game that was a N3DS exclusive, while there are many others that play on both yet get benefits on the new hardware. However there is a new game that runs like ABSOLUTE SHIT on the original 3DS... yet perfectly on the N3DS.

This is the kind of problem we could walk into, I admit... and is worth getting worried about. After a couple years, those of us still on the original PS4 may find new games unplayable even though they can "officially" be played on that hardware. This is something we can't allow to happen... and we need to be careful if we go this route.

Performance on the original PS4 must ALWAYS come first. Any extra fluff you can get out of the newer hardware should only be a bonus, and NEVER a standard.

 

[Audible Phonetics]

If true , it sets a bad precedent going forward for console gaming. Consoles aren't PC's, they're supposed to be good performers for an optimal price point.. 8 year generations are too long, 2 years is waaaaaay too short, especially when the first 2 years of this generation has been pretty disappointing.. I built myself a gaming PC a year ago, and the PS4 gets less and less use as time goes on.. If they do this, they're sealing their fate with people like me. I won't be back.. I already think moving forward I'll be strictly a PC gamer, but if they do release an upgraded PS4, I'll be ditching my PS4 NOW..

This logic makes no sense. As a PC gamer you will be updating your PC more consistently then you'll have to consoles.

lol...

 

[Papacheeks]

We don't know the pros and cons because we don't know the details yet. In your hypothetical, yes, there are lots of problems with the approach as you've constructed in your scenario.

But why is that the only scenario you're considering?

I didn't? Did you read couple pages back where I think it would work if their refresh was new upscaler for 4k resoultion and ultra bluray along with USB3.0 for external storage.

Things like that are fine. It's when you add more variables for development where it can go bad really fast.

Having an option for people with 4K displays in term of upscaling a 1080p to 4k is fine. The content doesn't change just the output image.

And having upgraded usb 3.0 for external storage is nice little plus as well.

I was going to argue against you, pointing out that there was only one game that was a N3DS exclusive, while there are many others that play on both yet get benefits on the new hardware. However there is a new game that runs like ABSOLUTE SHIT on the original 3DS... yet perfectly on the N3DS.

This is the kind of problem we could walk into, I admit... and is worth getting worried about. After a couple years, those of us still on the original PS4 may find new games unplayable even though they can "officially" be played on that hardware. This is something we can't allow to happen... and we need to be careful if we go this route.

Performance on the original PS4 must ALWAYS come first. Any extra fluff you can get out of the newer hardware should only be a bonus, and NEVER a standard.

PRETTY much my whole point, backed by sega, and N3DS. Not saying it's something that would happen off the bat, I think they would find success for first couple refreshes they do. But once games start targeting the refreshes more, regardless of mandates, I see it causing issues. Along with slow decrease in early adopters for new generation consoles.

 

[CosmicQueso]

I didn't? Did you read couple pages back where I think it would work if their refresh was new upscaler for 4k resoultion and ultra bluray along with USB3.0 for external storage.

Things like that are fine. It's when you add more variables for development where it can go bad really fast.

Having an option for people with 4K displays in term of upscaling a 1080p to 4k is fine. The content doesn't change just the output image.

And having upgraded usb 3.0 for external storage is nice little plus as well.

Ahhh okay then. Sorry, guess I misunderstood! Thanks.

 

[Mabufu]

If there really was a PS4.5 (i very highly doubt it), game developers would have to target two seperate profiles instead of one. That would be about the same as developing for PS4 alone or XBox One and PS4.

This is as wrong as it can be.

 

[mrklaw]

This feels like a move away from PS1/2/3/4/5, and more to a 'Playstation' as a product that is evergreen. Like ipad/iphone/Bravia etc - a constant brand and whenever you choose to buy in, you'll get the latest and greatest.

 

[opticalmace]

This feels like a move away from PS1/2/3/4/5, and more to a 'Playstation' as a product that is evergreen. Like ipad/iphone/Bravia etc - a constant brand and whenever you choose to buy in, you'll get the latest and greatest.

Sounds about right. As long as they don't screw you for not being on the latest model, I am okay with this.

 

[BiGBoSSMk23]

This feels like a move away from PS1/2/3/4/5, and more to a 'Playstation' as a product that is evergreen. Like ipad/iphone/Bravia etc - a constant brand and whenever you choose to buy in, you'll get the latest and greatest.

This sounds great but I don't see how it'd be reasonable without modular consoles or graphics settings for console games that you can easily upgrade and tweak, respectively..

Say a shiny new game comes out and your PlayStation is underpowered. You either tweak it so you can run it or get new parts, or get a whole new PlayStation.

Either way, I really like this.

The old 5-8 year console cycle is already archaic and them becoming more like PC's is definitely the right direction.

 

[gus-gus]

Way to strawman what I was saying and your reply is confusing because you're disagreeing and agreeing with me simultaneously.

I said that the smartphone and console markets are too different for comparison and you agreed to that. Yet, you replied as if I said they are the same.

As for the rest of your reply, it's non sequitur and also fails to acknowledge the fact that I was addressing the possibility of a large difference between the vanilla and upgraded PS4. If the difference is minor, more power to you since it's not that big of a deal.

Ok, if it was confusing. I'm not agreeing with you. You can not compare a phone that releases one year to the next, but a comparison needs to be done that you compare at the times of their release. A phone that released 3 years ago is not the same as one releasing this year. There are big differences, as 3 years in tech lots change. People are acting like the system is releasing one year to the next it's not.

It seems people are thinking and comparing phones that release year over year, is as fair as comparing a 3 year release with a console.

 

[Planet]

This is as wrong as it can be.

Thank you for the flowers. Care to enlighten mortal me? Surely there would be less difference in the tools, but more in the features and capabilities. It would still be two targets instead of one.

 

[riskVSreward]

I'd rather have a PS4 that plays PS1, PS2 and PS3 games natively with no region lock. That's the only way you'll get me to buy an iterative system.

Although I'm not convinced such a 4k iterative PS4 is ever going to exist anyway.

 

[On Demand]

This is as wrong as it can be.

No. A developer here already explained why this would be a terrible idea. It was in the other thread about XB1.

 

[papo]

WOW, like now your telling people how they should be ok with trading in their shit? How you can guarantee them good trade in value?

Arcade vs home console? WTF?

No offense your off your knockers dude.

What? for real?

do you just let all that old gaming stuff accumulate dust in your apartment? I got both the PS4 and xbox 1 at launch for under $100 dollars each by trading in stuff that I really wasn't using. So if the complaint here is "I don't have money" that is bullshit. I am just pointing out one of the many ways they can go around it if they really care. How can I guarantee a good trade value? Well if there is not offer for this upgrade I would advise to go on craigslist or ebay to get a good price for your shit. And yes I think some people should be ok with trading some of their shit if they can get money from it and they don't use it.

Is that so hard to understand? Is that really craz or do you just not know how to manage your finances? Do you just accumulate crap and complain when you cannot afford the price or space to accumulate even more crap?


If I am crazy for saying this then I feel sorry for you guy.

Also I mentioned arcade vs console because of the difference in graphics/performance between those back in the day. Eventually by the time the Dreamcast was out that gap was no longer there. the same is happening with consolse vs PC and I feel incremental upgrades would help in the same way.

So am I really crazy or are you just trolling because I really don't get you.

Indeed. I have every intention of selling old tech, be it phones, tablets etc to fund new tech I buy.

It will be no different when Xbox One+ or PS4.5 is released.

THANK YOU! I don't understand why people suggest I am crazy for saying what I say. The last two gens I've gotten the system by selling/trading old stuff in to get credit for the new ones and it always works for me.

 

[dose]

Talking about simple settings in a graphics menu. Devs just need to adjust them for either console. It's not magic.

You make it sound so simple. A lot of people on here have no clue whatsoever the work involved in making games run at their best on different sets of hardware.

 

[Fine Ham Abounds]

Some people collect gaming hardware and never sell it. This is not strange, nor is it news.

 

[Mabufu]

Thank you for the flowers. Care to enlighten mortal me? Surely there would be less difference in the tools, but more in the features and capabilities. It would still be two targets instead of one.

Architecture. This is the key.

There's little to no problems with switching to faster GPU/CPU as long as they are the same chips.

What matters is the data always following the same paths across all chips so there's no possibility for the game to fail it's execution because it didnt encounter the data it was expecting.

By your theory, if I overclock my CPU or GPU, my PC would stop working because they have "new hardware". And it doesnt.

Still, if something like "this code goes to core0 and this code to core1" is hardcoded that way instead "this code goes at one available core and this to another available core", and things alike, the patch the game would need is nothing compared to port the game to a whole different architecture.

 

[ViridianHues]

I could never see incremental upgrades working for consoles. Phones are often subsidized over a year or two to make up for the cost of the upgrade. Unless manufacturers can come up with a subsidized plan, I don't think it would work.

I feel this rumor is probably referring to a PS4 hardware redesign. It'll probably have some easy upgrades (1TB HDD or more) and support 4K bluray. I don't think it'll play games any differently.

 

[Planet]

There's little to no problems with switching to faster GPU/CPU as long as they are the same chips.

Aah, there it is. So you expect the PS4.5 being 30% faster than the PS4? Sounds absolutely worth it.

Any significant improvement in computational power would mean more substancial changes.

 

[Wreav]

I also love the phone and tablet comparisons. Consoles are neither and have a much more singular purpose. Phones and tablets are utility devices, games are just a small part of what these devices provide.

Except that consoles stream video, music, play video disks, have editing software. There is plenty that can be improved by a round of new and improved hardware.

 

[Papacheeks]

What? for real?

do you just let all that old gaming stuff accumulate dust in your apartment? I got both the PS4 and xbox 1 at launch for under $100 dollars each by trading in stuff that I really wasn't using. So if the complaint here is "I don't have money" that is bullshit. I am just pointing out one of the many ways they can go around it if they really care. How can I guarantee a good trade value? Well if there is not offer for this upgrade I would advise to go on craigslist or ebay to get a good price for your shit. And yes I think some people should be ok with trading some of their shit if they can get money from it and they don't use it.

Is that so hard to understand? Is that really craz or do you just not know how to manage your finances? Do you just accumulate crap and complain when you cannot afford the price or space to accumulate even more crap?


If I am crazy for saying this then I feel sorry for you guy.

Also I mentioned arcade vs console because of the difference in graphics/performance between those back in the day. Eventually by the time the Dreamcast was out that gap was no longer there. the same is happening with consolse vs PC and I feel incremental upgrades would help in the same way.

So am I really crazy or are you just trolling because I really don't get you.



THANK YOU! I don't understand why people suggest I am crazy for saying what I say. The last two gens I've gotten the system by selling/trading old stuff in to get credit for the new ones and it always works for me.

So 2 years in with PS4 your ok buying another one? If you just bought one past year as sales suggest people are still doing, where does that leave them? Over time when there are a couple of N3DS scenarios and certain game or 2 run really well on refresh but worse on baseline PS4, what then?

It's those people's fault for buying into a product they thought would be supported for at leas 4 or so years. That's not asking a lot and has been a standard in some way for some time now. Cell phones especially iOS pretty much run all apps, games is a differnt story, but people taper their expectations knowing what they are missing from not upgrading a year or so later.

People still use their Iphone 4s because it still receives updates and runs most of the apps from the store.

Game consoles are not phones they are meant to run games. End of story. All the other stuff is secondary. You don't spend 399-350 on a big ass netflix player, you buy it to primarily play games and use it when you want for other entertainment.

This has not gone over well in the past, and even though there may be a strong response, it's something that will ultimately have a long term negative impact on next generation sales.

 

[PLASTICA-MAN]

So this time this is real or just another rumor of the previous rumor?

 

[ArtHands]

How did this go for the N3DS?




I'm talking from experience. We went through the sega days, we have been through the N3DS which was suppose to be great, but people kept their 3DS. And now sales are lower on average because of it.

It's a slippery slope one that if it was more or less format upgrade like I stated, upscale to 4k for image output and bluray playback, different than having more memory, new APU unit.

I guess I don't see the pro's out weighing the con's, and I see with PSVR already announced, if the rumor is true and refresh is announced this E3, it will add more confusion. And that puts negative light on both companies.

Consoles cycles exist for a reason," book Console Wars" sheds light on how anticipation, hype, and early adoption helps you throughout. WHat it also shows is that even with the greatest of intentions and having "Mandate" shit can go down hill in a slit second.

Well it helped 3DS to sell more than the handheld that didn't have a mid-gen upgrade.

 

[papo]

So 2 years in with PS4 your ok buying another one? If you just bought one past year as sales suggest people are still doing. Where does that leave them? Over time when there are a couple of N3DS scenarios and certain game or 2 run really well on refresh but worse on baseline PS4, what then?

It's those people's fault for buying into a product they thought would be supported for at leas 4 or so years. That's not asking a lot and has been a standard in some way for some time now. Cell phones especially iOS pretty much run all apps, games is a differnt story, but people taper their expectations knowing what they are missing from not upgrading a year or so later.

People still use their Iphone 4s because it still receives updates and runs most of the apps from the store.

Game consoles are not phones they are meant to run games. End of story. All the other stuff is secondary. You don't spend 399-350 on a big ass netflix player, you buy it to primarily play games and use it when you want for other entertainment.

This has not gone over well in the past, and even though there may be a strong response, it's something that will ultimately have a long term negative impact on next generation sales.

Yes. For example I already upgraded my X1 once to the 1TB version that came with the Elite. Sold the old X1, an old controller and a couple of games I was never playing again. Got about $300 for it. Paid about $250 for the new one taxes, shipping and all. So I basically paid $250 for a new 1TB console and the Elite controller.

That is my example and that is why I say it is totally doable unless you have some attachment to old stuff, even if you are not using it.

Everything else you suggest is speculation, but based on how phones work and how people are always up for upgrades then it could work for the best here and would help them give them a more 'current' look to console gaming if that makes any sense? Even then only especulation suggest you might not be able to play all PS4k? games on a normal PS4. If they do it that way then it could cause issue, but I really think they will do it like cellphones where the play/ios store exists and you can play the gme just performance may change.

 

[Papacheeks]

Yes. For example I already upgraded my X1 once to the 1TB version that came with the Elite. Sold the old X1, an old controller and a couple of games I was never playing again. Got about $300 for it. Paid about $250 for the new one taxes, shipping and all. So I basically paid $250 for a new 1TB console and the Elite controller.

That is my example and that is why I say it is totally doable unless you have some attachment to old stuff, even if you are not using it.

Everything else you suggest is speculation, but based on how phones work and how people are always up for upgrades then it could work for the best here and would help them give them a more 'current' look to console gaming if that makes any sense? Even then only especulation suggest you might not be able to play all PS4k? games on a normal PS4. If they do it that way then it could cause issue, but I really think they will do it like cellphones where the play/ios store exists and you can play the gme just performance may change.

Then you totally ignored my previous examples couple pages back. Your Xbox has the same innards just bigger storage. IT PLAYs the same games at same resolution, frame rate, effects etc.

A upgraded Xbox with better APU is not the same. The one your describing is optional with no development impact on games.
The one Ptraick Klep was describing does. The option I mentioned for having upgraded port's, bluray for 4k and a new scaler for "4k output" is optional for people with 4k displays but not alienating people who have base line PS4's.

Having and upgraded CPU/GPU will cause issues down the line, it will take one game that plays great, and it's baseline PS4 versions plays like shit. Once that happens a shit storm will occur, and over time people will stop buying new consoles at launch because they would rather wait for refresh.

 

[MrGerbils]

If Sony offered an upgrade plan just like Apple's new thing with the iPhone, say something like $30-45 a month and every year I can trade in my PS for the latest model, I would absolute sign up for it, especially if it was pushing really cutting edge specs (like equivalent 980 or whatever).

I, for one, would love yearly updates.

 

[TheCanisDirus]

If Sony offered an upgrade plan just like Apple's new thing with the iPhone, say something like $30-45 a month and every year I can trade in my PS for the latest model, I would absolute sign up for it, especially if it was pushing really cutting edge specs (like equivalent 980 or whatever).

I, for one, would love yearly updates.

Oh hell yes! I'd be all over that in a second!

 

[oni-link]

Having and upgraded CPU/GPU will cause issues down the line, it will take one game that plays great, and it's baseline PS4 versions plays like shit. Once that happens a shit storm will occur, and over time people will stop buying new consoles at launch because they would rather wait for refresh.

But will it?

Do you think most people even know what frame rate and res are?

We know because we're on a gaming enthusiast forum, the average PS4/XB1 owner probably doesn't even know what they are, or what impact they have on the games they play

If the baseline PS4 plays the games at 30 with the odd drop then I doubt most people will notice, even if the new PS4K plays them with more bells and whistles

 

[MogCakes]

Well it helped 3DS to sell more than the handheld that didn't have a mid-gen upgrade.

Vita failed because Sony didn't support it, not because it didn't have a mid-gen upgrade N3DS style.

 

[EloKa]

But will it?

Do you think most people even know what frame rate and res are?

As soon as a PS4K gets advertised with "better framerate! Higher resolution" people will notice it. Yeah.
And a PS4K would need some kind of advertise in this way.

 

[rokkerkory]

If Sony offered an upgrade plan just like Apple's new thing with the iPhone, say something like $30-45 a month and every year I can trade in my PS for the latest model, I would absolute sign up for it, especially if it was pushing really cutting edge specs (like equivalent 980 or whatever).

I, for one, would love yearly updates.

You would pay over $500 a year for something you don't own?

 

[Asd202]

I don't think announcement will come at E3 that's way too soon for end of the year release and it would have negative impact on sales for months.

 

[ElCidTmax]

I'm OK with a more powerful PS4, provided all PS4 games are compatible. It's not all that weird for me to drop $400 on a video card every other year or so. I do hope that this doesn't mean the end of PS console generations, as I don't want original spec PS4's to restrain developers from pushing the hardware.

My guess is PS4.5 will be more powerful for specific things (supporting 4K, better and more consistent framerates, maybe handle the more intensive games like Until Dawn better, better VR), but not a huge or even very noticable change for most games. I'm interested to know if there are tangible, noticeable benefits to people who aren't getting PSVR or a 4K TV. If it is designed to handle VR better, will they simplify the cable situation?

What would the release timing be? Would they release this concurrent with PSVR? I don't think they should confuse the market with this until next year at the earliest.

 

[Fisticuffs]

This logic makes no sense. As a PC gamer you will be updating your PC more consistently then you'll have to consoles.

lol...

yes, but if you are both a PC and Console gamer, like myself, the hobby becomes exponentially more expensive than it already is.

 

[MrGerbils]

You would pay over $500 a year for something you don't own?

Totally. Of course for that high end I'd expect a high end product.

With the iPhone for the $650 phone you pay around $30 a month.

So if I was paying $45 for a hypothetical PS upgrade program I'd expect a console that sold in the $1,000 range if you bought it straight up (980ti equivalent, SSD, etc).

 

[papo]

Then you totally ignored my previous examples couple pages back. Your Xbox has the same innards just bigger storage. IT PLAYs the same games at same resolution, frame rate, effects etc.

A upgraded Xbox with better APU is not the same. The one your describing is optional with no development impact on games.
The one Ptraick Klep was describing does. The option I mentioned for having upgraded port's, bluray for 4k and a new scaler for "4k output" is optional for people with 4k displays but not alienating people who have base line PS4's.

Having and upgraded CPU/GPU will cause issues down the line, it will take one game that plays great, and it's baseline PS4 versions plays like shit. Once that happens a shit storm will occur, and over time people will stop buying new consoles at launch because they would rather wait for refresh.

That doesn't matter because I would do the exact same thing for the rumored X1.5 or PS4K upgrades and my plan would still work out for anyone.

But to answer your question...well I can't and neither can you since anything that exists right now is based on speculation. You do not know that a better performing console would cause issue with the games running on older hardware. The idea is to go closer what PC does in terms of quality, not the N3DS route. But even then I'll reserve my judgement since it is pure speculation.

 

[Pryce]

This feels like a move away from PS1/2/3/4/5, and more to a 'Playstation' as a product that is evergreen. Like ipad/iphone/Bravia etc - a constant brand and whenever you choose to buy in, you'll get the latest and greatest.

As long as this doesn't split the base and the new consoles can play older games, yeah.

I wouldn't be surprised if we never got a true PS5 but rather updates every 3 or 4 years. This could also make sure that games are always BC going forward.

 

[mrklaw]

This sounds great but I don't see how it'd be reasonable without modular consoles or graphics settings for console games that you can easily upgrade and tweak, respectively..

Say a shiny new game comes out and your PlayStation is underpowered. You either tweak it so you can run it or get new parts, or get a whole new PlayStation.

Either way, I really like this.

The old 5-8 year console cycle is already archaic and them becoming more like PC's is definitely the right direction.

Functionally it shouldn't be any different.

If you had a PS3 and wanted to play Knack, you woudln't be able to unless you bought a PS4.

This way, you'd have a PS4 and wanted to play Knack 2 and you wouldn't unless you bought a PS5. Same thing. The only difference being if you had a PS4.5 you'd play PS4 games with prettier graphics, and you could play Knack 2.

The active lifetime of any one version can be whatever Sony chooses - they could guarantee a 5-6 year lifetime from launch for each version before support is removed for it. Arguably with a common architecture they could have longer active lifecycles.

 

[MrGerbils]

Then you totally ignored my previous examples couple pages back. Your Xbox has the same innards just bigger storage. IT PLAYs the same games at same resolution, frame rate, effects etc.

A upgraded Xbox with better APU is not the same. The one your describing is optional with no development impact on games.
The one Ptraick Klep was describing does. The option I mentioned for having upgraded port's, bluray for 4k and a new scaler for "4k output" is optional for people with 4k displays but not alienating people who have base line PS4's.

Having and upgraded CPU/GPU will cause issues down the line, it will take one game that plays great, and it's baseline PS4 versions plays like shit. Once that happens a shit storm will occur, and over time people will stop buying new consoles at launch because they would rather wait for refresh.

You don't understand, the idea here is that there won't be any whole new console launches as they've traditionally been anymore at all.

If this really goes through, then from here on out it'll be like when a new iPad comes out, or the new nvidia generation cards come out. Rolling upgrades for as far as we can see in to the future. Basically until x86 just gets totally replaced or streaming over the cloud actually takes over.

This feels like a move away from PS1/2/3/4/5, and more to a 'Playstation' as a product that is evergreen. Like ipad/iphone/Bravia etc - a constant brand and whenever you choose to buy in, you'll get the latest and greatest.

Exactly.

 

[MogCakes]

The idea is to go closer what PC does in terms of quality

PC will always outperform consoles. Always. They will never again get anywhere near PC levels of potential performance, unless they release yearly, and then they're no different from PCs sans closed platform. An iterative model will not bring consoles the advantages of PC gaming.

 

[RedSwirl]

This feels like a move away from PS1/2/3/4/5, and more to a 'Playstation' as a product that is evergreen. Like ipad/iphone/Bravia etc - a constant brand and whenever you choose to buy in, you'll get the latest and greatest.

This is what I've been thinking the whole time. The individual models would still have numbers, but the games would just be "PlayStation" games from a certain point onward.

To a certain extent this is what I started thinking way back when the PS2 came out with PS1 BC. It'd be great if eventually Sony could roll its entire back catalog into the contiguous platform.

 

[MogCakes]

It'd be great if eventually Sony could roll its entire back catalog into the contiguous platform.

They've already set up the architecture for it. From here on out most likely all future releases will build upon the same architecture with full BC.

 

[Lord Error]

So 2 years in with PS4 your ok buying another one?

A ton of people were OK buying a new PS3 or PS2 just for the amazing reason of the new simmer case. What makes you think even more wouldn't buy a new version that actually offer something tangibly better?

That's beside the point anyway. I think the new version is primarily meant for new buyers who weren't satisfied with what the existing one had to offer.

 

[NotSmartEnough]

I'd be interested to hear the views of the 35 - 40+ year olds on this possibility. I personally don't have an issue with it. This reminds me of the 2 head to 4 head vhs tape machines. They played the same tapes, however the 4 head ones played and recorded at a better rate. The new machines introduced stereo recording (anyone remember nicam digital stereo?)

As long as the new units play the original games, and the upcoming games aren't split between these systems, I'm cool with it.

Old git (44) here.

I was already planning on getting a 4k TV later this year, and a Sky Q Silver when they announce UHD content plans.

What I wasn't sure about was a UHD player, so if a new PS4 model comes out with upgraded HDMI and UHD drive then that may be the way to go.

As I said earlier, my main worry is how they pitch any APU power increase: too close to the current PS4 level and there isn't enough reason to upgrade; too big an increase risks fragmenting the market.

 

[SonnyBoy]

Once that happens a shit storm will occur, and over time people will stop buying new consoles at launch because they would rather wait for refresh.

I am one of these people. lol

 

[Papacheeks]

I am one of these people. lol

I may turn into PC/Nintendo only if that's the case. I wonder if both MS/SONY go through with this, if Nintendo follows suite since they are using some kind or ARM Architecture.