The PlayStation 4 NEO is Sony’s upcoming replacement for the PlayStation 4. It’s basically a really souped up PS4 that’s capable of delivering much more performance than the current system, allowing developers to make full use of PlayStation VR and other enhancements for their games.
The whole idea behind the PS4 NEO is to allow developers to create a game for two sets of specs: one for the standard PS4 and one for the NEO—kind of like how PC game developers have multiple specs to cater to a variety of hardware setups. With only two system setups to contend with, it still won’t pose anywhere as much of a headache to developers as creating a game for the PC.
Earlier reports indicate that Sony insists that developers will have to make their games compatible on both the standard PS4 and the Neo moving forward, and that there will not be any NEO-exclusive games, so owners of the original system won’t be left out whenever something new comes out. It’s a smart decision, and one that’ll ensure that the system’s userbase doesn’t get splintered between the PS4 and the NEO.
Speaking to the French publication Challenges, Sony Computer Entertainment VP for Southern Europe Philippe Cardon more or less confirmed the existence of the NEO, which remains unofficial at this time.
“PS4 has been developed to be compatible with VR, but within the life of a console research and development teams are still working on improvements,” said Cardon, going on to hint that gamers will have to pick up a NEO to get the most out of their games.
“The current PS4 dates back multiple years. It’s normal to think of its update. However, I have no more information than that to provide.”
Given the aging specs of the PS4, it’s easy to see why someone would need to upgrade to the NEO to play the latest and greatest games on the PS VR. Plenty of games might work on existing systems, but the graphics are going to be drastically toned down in order to provide gamers with a fluid 60FPS experience as is necessary for VR to “feel” good.
We’ll keep you in the loop on the developments of the PS4 NEO as news becomes available.
