What is the PS4 Going to be Like?

Major Upgrades

There have been speculations that Sony will improve it current PS3 NVIDIA RSX graphics processor for an Intel Larrabee chip. In addition, the PS4 may finally have an 802.11n chipset instead of the 802.11b/g. With regard to the processor, if the PS4 would retain PS3’s cell processor then it may use a 65nm chip like the PowerXCell 8i, which can support at least 8 SPE (Synergistic Processing Elements). This is more as opposed to the 7 SPEs in the PS3.

Aside from the potential of having multi-core processors, PS4 may also incorporate an additional physics card that helps improve the game’s physics. For example, the spattering of water and rain may already look more realistic basing it on the laws of physics. The realism on trees and units falling down to either right or left will also be improved.

The Blu-Ray

According to Kaz Hirai (Sony Computer Entertainment Chief) even if several years from now all content will be made available for download, Sony is still planning on including an optical drive (like a Blu-Ray) to their upcoming PS4. There are many markets in the world where Broadband cannot speedily download all those gigabytes worth of data so the best option even in 5 to 10 years from now is to have a physical drive to read and use physical discs.

The downside is incorporating a Blu-ray device on the PS4 will once again place the console at a price disadvantage like the PS3 which may have been one of the reasons why the unit sales lagged far behind its competitors. Consumers did not buy the PS3 because its entry level price was comparable to its competitors’ prices plus all their additional accessories combined.

Greater Storage Capacity

To address the need for more storage space for all online downloadable data, Sony’s PS4 must have a hard drive space with a minimum of 1 terabyte capacity. But the company may not incorporate such an expensive feature with the entry level 4th generation PS console. It may come as an accessory in the goal of trimming down the unit’s price significantly.
A multimedia super machine

The PS4 may still be marketed as an all in one media super machine that will have the tendency of replacing video libraries, laptops, cable box and rental stores across the street; streaming from popular media sites like Netfilx and YouTube.

Smaller Console Size

Expected to have wireless controllers, the PS4 will try to remove all clutters and shrink down the console’s size. This may be a challenge for Sony most especially if it will incorporate an optical drive but still, its next generation hardware may be able to fit everything in one small box. It may also have an external power supply, which literally translates into a smaller unit.

The PS4 Launch

The expected release of the PS4 is set on 2016 granting that the PS3 will live to its supposed 10-year lifespan. But as observed, some PS2s are still being sold even in the peak of the PS3. Thus, it is safe to assume that there could be an earlier release of the PS4 like in 2012. Have your fingers crossed.