This week has been a big one for Sony. After already turning heads with the long-anticipated reveal of the PlayStation VR at the Game Developers Conference, it looks like the firm as it again, this time with reports indicating that its working on a console currently known as the PlayStation 4.5.
Not much is known about this new console, if it's a console at all. It could be a new console made to follow the PS4, as previously mentioned, or it could be an upgradeable component for the console instead. All that's known is that the PS4.5 will have a focus on virtual reality, and is set to offer 4K gaming capabilities, increased graphical power, and more.
From a technical standpoint, the move makes sense for Sony. The current standard for PlayStation 4 games, and those of its rivals, is 1080p - four times less the pixel size of what 4K resolution brings to the table. As things stand, the PS4 can output 4K photos and videos but is incapable of supporting 4K resolutions for games and the PS4.5 would change that.
The upgrade would also have an impact on the PlayStation VR which is slated for an October release. With the extra processing power, the PS4.5 would lend itself to an empowered PlayStation VR experience, bringing it closer in line with the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Based on the fact that the PlayStation headset sold out on Amazon U.K. within 10 minutes of going up, Sony would have nothing to lose by trying to enhance its VR's quaility.
This move mirrors the Xbox's push to focus on upgradeable consoles, rather than continue the pre-existing generational console format, an issue that has plagued consoles for years. Not only is the PS4 outclassed in terms of specs by today's gaming PC's, but its last bastion - the living room - is being threated by Valve, which has made it easier to play PC games on larger screens.
So when can we can we expect this device to come out? The sources who revealed this info say the PS4.5 is still an "exploratory" device, so expect a 2017 release at the earliest.
