Right now, there is a push in the television market toward displays that are in 4K resolution, which is four times the pixel size of 1080p. Unfortunately, the standard for gaming consoles like the PlayStation 4 is 1080p, but Sony could attempt to create a new type of gaming system with the PlayStation 4.5 or PlayStation 4K. Here are the latest rumors of a release date for this possible new system for 4K gaming.
The news of this possible PlayStation upgrade comes from Kotaku, who believes that the new version of the PS4 with increased graphical power and games at 4K resolution is coming soon. What isn't revealed is whether or not current PS4 owners will be able to upgrade or if they'll have to buy an entirely new device to use this power boost.
It is known that Sony has "started briefing developers". A lot of these developers were attending the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco last week, and there are rumors that the hardware was allegedly being revealed in closed demos to key studios. Sony will not comment on any rumors that this so called PlayStation 4.5 or PlayStation 4K exists, which is no surprise.
This PS4 4.5 would have an upgraded GPU for high end 4K resolution for games, along with processing power to enhance the games supported by the upcoming PlayStation VR. At this present time, the PS4 can output 4K photos and videos, but it does not support 4K resolutions for games.
The reason for this upgrade is pretty obvious: the competition from Virtual Reality competitors. Both the Oculus Rift ($599) and HTC Vive ($799) require some really good gaming PC to hook it up to, and these PCs are leaps above the PS4 as far as processing power is concerned. It just makes sense that the PlayStation VR, in spite of its lower price ($399), would have to change to compete. Especially in an age where Steam games on a gaming PC are just so much better looking than what consoles can provide gamers.
Of course, the PS4 is about due for an upgrade in a few years. For the most part, consoles are good at giving themselves an upgrade every seven years or so just to keep up with the latest in gaming technology. With the PS4 having launched three years ago in 2013, it is probably due for an upgrade in 2018, 2019, or 2020 anyway, so perhaps the 4K upgrade will come then.
It would seem odd for PlayStation to attempt to construct a PlayStation 4K and then launch it by the holidays of 2017, which is when I am assuming is the soonest that Sony could get it into the market. Of course, it is possible that Sony has already perfected the technology for 4K gaming and is just testing the waters for it. However, the demand is there and it is high, so maybe Sony should just try and get this tech to the public as soon as possible, and leave Microsoft's Xbox and Nintendo's Wii U strive to keep up.
