Every few years, the big three in video games (Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo) decide that their consoles need an upgrade. Upgrades happen because there will always be a demand for more advanced graphics, and spec standards for televisions change all of the time. For example, we have reported on the possibility of a PlayStation 4.5 or PlayStation 4K, as well as the possibility of Nintendo upgrading the Wii U with the Nintendo NX. It looks like both Sony PS4K and the Nintendo NX are getting released this year.
Anyone who knows anything about video games knows that rumors constantly abound on matters like these and gamers are always anxious to know what is the next big thing before it is released. Gadgets 360 says that the indicator of both Sony and Nintendo is that they work with a common partner, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). They also say that according to AMD's latest financials, consumers can expect new consoles "in the second half of 2016".
This is the quote highlighted on NeoGAF saying: "In our EESC segment, we had record shipments of our semi-custom SoCs powering the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One game consoles. Demand for game consoles looks strong for 2016 and we remain on track to generate additional revenue from new semi-custom business in the second half of 2016. Game consoles -- we see units going up 2016 to 2015. We've also said in the enterprise embedded and semi-custom segment that we will be ramping some new design revenue in the second half of 2016. We have new products being introduced in both the businesses with the new design wins in the second half on the semi-custom side."
So, what could increase sales in consoles? New versions, of course. It might also be stimulated by Virtual Reality like what the PlayStation is doing. If Nintendo were to unveil the NX this year, it would result in a lot of sales, especially if they put the long-awaited The Legend of Zelda game for it. As for the Xbox One, there is a report from Game Informer that Xbox boss Phil Spencer is not interested in an "Xbox One and a Half", which means that it could be a long wait for the next version of whatever Microsoft is up to with their console.
This supposed PlayStation 4K or PS 4.5 is said to have an upgraded GPU for high-end 4K resolution for games, as well as the processing power to enhance the games supported by PlayStation VR. Currently, the PS4 can output only 4K photos and videos, but not 4K games. As for the Nintendo NX, there isn't a lot known about that, other than it is happening.
If the PlayStation 4K and Nintendo NX is coming, check it out at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a big video game convention held every year at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This is where the big video game announcements are made, so this would be the place where Sony and Nintendo would unveil their new gaming systems.
