Sony Planning PS4.5 Model With Upgraded GPU, 4K Resolution

Based on information from “developer sources,” Kotaku is reporting that a PlayStation 4.5 is in the planning stages at Sony.

According to the report, this new PS4 model would include an upgraded GPU that supports 4K resolution for games and adds more processing power to enhance PlayStation VR games. The name PS4.5 doesn’t appear to be official, but Kotaku heard it mentioned by developers at GDC.

Furthermore, it appears Sony held meetings with developers at GDC about the new PS4 model and how it would work. However, none of Kotaku’s sources knew for sure when the PS4.5 would ship or how much it might cost, but one source said it might not release in 2016.

Kotaku adds, “Plans are always changing, and some of the details we’ve heard are fuzzy, but one thing has become clear: Sony is exploring the possibility of releasing a more powerful console way before the PlayStation 5.”

When reached for comment about the PS4.5, a Sony spokesperson said, “We can’t comment on rumors or speculation.”

Currently, the PS4 supports 4K photos and videos. When asked about 4K for games in early 2015, Sony said, “The PS4 does not currently support 4K output for gaming.”

Source : http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/0...-4k-resolution/

If it's merely 4k upscale function and not native 4k, I think it's redundant to produce a PS4.5. 4k upscale functionality can be added directly at the output device, just like how 4k TV can upscale non-4k signal. So for non-VR gaming purposes, I don't see a reason why Sony need to produce a new console just to "upscale 4k (if not true native 4k), which is already done by the output device (the 4k TV itself). If the upscale is for PSVR, it also doesn't make sense as the current PSVR resolution is no where near 4k. And if they decided to upgrade the PSVR screen resolution, I don't see why they can't include a 4k upscaler chip in PSVR itself or the external unit that come with PSVR, instead of including the new chip in the PS4 console which renders millions of existing PS4 obselete  :confused: and create anger among existing users.