At this point, it's not a question of "if" but "when."
The evidence for new, more powerful video game consoles continues to roll in; this time courtesy of leading chip-maker AMD.
As originally reported by GamesIndustry.biz , AMD CEO Lisa Su referenced three impending "design wins" for the company's Semi-Custom unit. If you didn't already know, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U all use some form of AMD tech and Su told investors and analysts that these new "design wins" should bring in $1.5 billion for AMD in the next few years.
She added that not all three designs will be available in 2016. It's really the wording that matters:
"In addition [to the new design wins] we have our current game console business as well. So when you look at the aggregate of that, we do expect to start ramping that new business in the second half of the year. But we also expect the seasonal uplift of our traditional game console business. So that's adding to what we expect will be a strong year for Semi-Custom overall."
Yeah, it's that "new business" part that grabs the eye. With the still-mysterious Nintendo NX looming somewhere on the horizon, Microsoft's admittedly vague allusions to a new Xbox One, and all this PS4K talk, it certainly seems like Su is referring to a new round of game machines.
Last we heard, the new PS4 – code-named "Neo" – supposedly boasts CPU, GPU and RAM upgrades, and it will offer gamers "Ultra HD graphics" while not entirely replacing the current PS4 unit. The idea is that there will be a less powerful console for the casual crowd and the high-end model for the core crowd.
Honestly, though, that core crowd of gamers who already have the PS4 aren't sold on the idea. What do you feel? Anger or excitement?
I don't mind if it's 2 or 10 times more powerful than the current PS4.
As long as they keep the game coming, I'm good.
However, if there were to be "PS4.5 exclusive" titles, then I might just drop my support for Sony this gen.
Last edited by Snaaaake on 4/22/2016 9:49:26 PM
I wonder if we'll start seeing a decline in Windows PC gaming if this stuff rolls forward full steam.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 4/22/2016 10:05:29 PM
Dude, really?
Perhaps he's saying if there are eventually console versions that are as good as or better than PC settings in the way they present games.
I believe platforms that update themselves regularly with better graphics and hardware, providing gamers more premium options to play their games and invest their money, is fertile ground for increased PC competition.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 4/23/2016 5:13:19 PM
It's another big change. We have to change with it I guess, or perish our joy of the hobby.
They need to make more money on hardware sales, this is a way to do it. It doesn't feel right, but there it is. If Sony can be funded, to fund those studios, then ultimately the final result is a good strong software base if those moneys aren't separated (profit from investment and software in-development specifically).
"Change with it"
Couldn't the same logic be applied to FFXV? 😉
Last edited by Jawknee on 4/23/2016 2:17:43 AM
No. You dont buy the system and Sony goes under, regretting their decision. I have enough games I can go back and play again for another full life. You dont ever let a gaming company dictate what you play. Ever.
Last edited by ethird1 on 4/23/2016 6:32:11 AM
I hope the Gamepad is compatible with the NX. I have a feeling Nintendo is going to pull a Twilight Princess and release the new Zelda on NX and Wii U. Would be a shame if they changed the design of the game away from their original intent just to have a simultaneous release.
It's tremendouly insulting. Let's be hoenst, the PS4 is sitll really a baby, we've barely seen any of the big titles hit yet. I bought a PS4 in faith, believing that the console I bought at said time would cover the generation ahead. a 4.5 model ruins every security notion for what a consoel is meant to represent. If they do this, everyone may as well jsut go to PC gaming nd upgrade them every so often – This statement is coming from someone who has always followed the consoel experience too.
If it is jsut for extra 4K and VR support, I hve no issues, but if games become dependent on the 4.5 hardware and can't run on the original PS4's… I will have to reconsider my gaming priorities.
I think you're not up to date in the situation.
If the only difference is resolution then I'll be okay, but that can be the ONLY difference. If the ps4k version of a game has any other element that is better, from fps to additional particle effects or whatever then I'll be angry at Sony.
Why would you be angry? As long as devs pull out the full potential of the original ps4, without having any exclusive features, what's the problem? Unless you have anxiety that there's something better and more powerful, I don't see how it's a problem.
I think development of the new hardware is entirely dependent on the growth of technology.
It's important to note that these systems were very conservative in comparison to the last gen. While the ps4 played a good hat trick to improve on the ps3 shortcomings, it was always highly debated regarding the lifespan of either current gen console.
In the end, hardware will not deal with shorter cycles. I do believe this is unique to the current generation. Looking into the pc world is important as well. Unlike mostly all previous generations of consoles vs the pc development cycles, this gem was the most stagnant as hardware is focusing on increased efficiency throughout the markets instead of raw performance.
AMD and Nvidia are battling for something that CPU models had to fight for, yet GPU models were often times forgiven for not doing so well; heat and energy consumption. APU designs bottleneck in odd ways while small dedicated GPU require a leap in generations to shrink dies and become efficient… Only the wall of NM for dies is becoming evident.
Throw in the VR basically available everywhere and its portability. Mobile gaming is becoming legitimate competition even if it's still in its infancy. The shift is happening. What we need in our living rooms needs to adapt to what tech is being released. Inevitably to be replaced by remote computing to keep a tangible solution for adaptation.
I truly think this is a telltale sign of the beginning of the end for home consoles…
"Change with it"
Couldn't the same logic be applied to FFXV? 😉
Last edited by Jawknee on 4/23/2016 2:17:43 AM
I don't mind if it's 2 or 10 times more powerful than the current PS4.
As long as they keep the game coming, I'm good.
However, if there were to be "PS4.5 exclusive" titles, then I might just drop my support for Sony this gen.
Last edited by Snaaaake on 4/22/2016 9:49:26 PM
I wonder if we'll start seeing a decline in Windows PC gaming if this stuff rolls forward full steam.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 4/22/2016 10:05:29 PM
I believe platforms that update themselves regularly with better graphics and hardware, providing gamers more premium options to play their games and invest their money, is fertile ground for increased PC competition.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 4/23/2016 5:13:19 PM
It's another big change. We have to change with it I guess, or perish our joy of the hobby.
They need to make more money on hardware sales, this is a way to do it. It doesn't feel right, but there it is. If Sony can be funded, to fund those studios, then ultimately the final result is a good strong software base if those moneys aren't separated (profit from investment and software in-development specifically).
Perhaps he's saying if there are eventually console versions that are as good as or better than PC settings in the way they present games.
Dude, really?
If the only difference is resolution then I'll be okay, but that can be the ONLY difference. If the ps4k version of a game has any other element that is better, from fps to additional particle effects or whatever then I'll be angry at Sony.
I hope the Gamepad is compatible with the NX. I have a feeling Nintendo is going to pull a Twilight Princess and release the new Zelda on NX and Wii U. Would be a shame if they changed the design of the game away from their original intent just to have a simultaneous release.
It's tremendouly insulting. Let's be hoenst, the PS4 is sitll really a baby, we've barely seen any of the big titles hit yet. I bought a PS4 in faith, believing that the console I bought at said time would cover the generation ahead. a 4.5 model ruins every security notion for what a consoel is meant to represent. If they do this, everyone may as well jsut go to PC gaming nd upgrade them every so often – This statement is coming from someone who has always followed the consoel experience too.
If it is jsut for extra 4K and VR support, I hve no issues, but if games become dependent on the 4.5 hardware and can't run on the original PS4's… I will have to reconsider my gaming priorities.
I think you're not up to date in the situation.
I think development of the new hardware is entirely dependent on the growth of technology.
It's important to note that these systems were very conservative in comparison to the last gen. While the ps4 played a good hat trick to improve on the ps3 shortcomings, it was always highly debated regarding the lifespan of either current gen console.
In the end, hardware will not deal with shorter cycles. I do believe this is unique to the current generation. Looking into the pc world is important as well. Unlike mostly all previous generations of consoles vs the pc development cycles, this gem was the most stagnant as hardware is focusing on increased efficiency throughout the markets instead of raw performance.
AMD and Nvidia are battling for something that CPU models had to fight for, yet GPU models were often times forgiven for not doing so well; heat and energy consumption. APU designs bottleneck in odd ways while small dedicated GPU require a leap in generations to shrink dies and become efficient… Only the wall of NM for dies is becoming evident.
Throw in the VR basically available everywhere and its portability. Mobile gaming is becoming legitimate competition even if it's still in its infancy. The shift is happening. What we need in our living rooms needs to adapt to what tech is being released. Inevitably to be replaced by remote computing to keep a tangible solution for adaptation.
I truly think this is a telltale sign of the beginning of the end for home consoles…
Why would you be angry? As long as devs pull out the full potential of the original ps4, without having any exclusive features, what's the problem? Unless you have anxiety that there's something better and more powerful, I don't see how it's a problem.
No. You dont buy the system and Sony goes under, regretting their decision. I have enough games I can go back and play again for another full life. You dont ever let a gaming company dictate what you play. Ever.
Last edited by ethird1 on 4/23/2016 6:32:11 AM