Sony is reportedly developing custom built PlayStation 3 systems for cloud based game streaming service PlayStation Now according to Eurogamer's Digital Foundry.
The machine is said to consist of dedicated servers which host eight PS3s and Sony originally planned to use standard retail versions of the console but that idea was abandoned because of the amount of power needed as well as the fact that the custom units deliver a better streaming experience.
Some elements of the PS3, including the infamous Cell processor, have remain unchanged in order to ensure compatibility with existing games for the console but a revised network and controller interface are expected to be introduced.
Eurogamer believes that a custom OS will be developed while the HDMI port will likely be replaced by a hardware video encoder.
Additional measures to combat latency are also said to be in development and "the Gaikai team have the advantage of complete access to the PS3 design and the engineers that created it.”
The system will roll out in North America from Q3 2014 with an Asian launch in Q4 while Europe will need to wait until Q1 2015.
PlayStation Now users on TVs, phones, and tablets will need to use a DualShock 3 controller, Sony has confirmed. The service is enterting closed beta in the US this month and will launch in North America in the summer.
