Sony Playstation 4

Sony PlayStation 4 or PS4 is in the works. There's no doubt that a next generation gaming console from Sony will be coming, but when? Most blogs and video game sites are saying 2013-2015. It may be more like 2016-2017 though. The Sony Playstation 3 came out in 2006 and it's only been 5 years. One of the Sony executives was quoted saying that they built the PS3 for a 10 year life span. This makes a lot of sense because they were the only gaming system to add a blu-ray player and some advanced interface features that the other systems (Wii & Xbox360) don't have.

Gaming consoles of the past were less complex and computer technology was growing at a break-neck rate. Computer processors, video chips, and engineering got better year after year. We have reached a point in video game consoles where they are essentially small computers. There are processors, advanced video cards, HDMI cables, and all of the components found on most of today's most advanced computers. The cost to increase the video processing and speed of the system's graphic engine could push the price of a PS4 into the 600-1000 dollar range. This is purely speculation on my part but adding the following features will cost a lot of money.

• Increased graphics processing - Pixar Type Graphics
• 3D Movie playback
• 3D gaming with 3D glasses
• Integration with Sony 3D Televisions
• Advanced Portability Features (Wireless N or better)
• Blu-ray & PS3 Game Compatibility
  
• More Robust Online Gaming System
• More advanced physics engine
• Multiple HDMI Ports for Gaming and Video
• Touch Sensitive Controls
  

However, all of these features pose problems for game developers and Sony online infrastructure. Increasing the bit rate of graphics requires more bandwidth and processing power. A need for an increased internet connection speed will be required to transfer the huge amount of information.

Sony is working on a PSP2 or as some blogs have called it the Sony NGP. Executives at Sony have dropped hints that the Sony NGP is their current priority with plans for the Sony PS4 being put on hold. I'm guessing for better development of their 3D graphics platform.

The rumor mill has it that games are already in production for the Sony PS4 but nobody really knows for sure. With more computing power still left in the Sony Playstation 3, I don't anticipate seeing any PS4 games in the near future. For now we can just enjoy the awesome new Playstation 3 games like Killzone 3 and Call of Duty Black Ops.

If you have any news or any speculations about the Sony PS4, leave a comment.