PlayStation NEO: A Luxury Item Or An Insult To PlayStation Fans?

Gamers of the Lost Spark: This week the big topic is of course Sony's codenamed Playstation Neo. Antony and Darren discuss at length whether or not this is a good thing, a bad thing or just something we can be indifferent about and just buy if our existing PS4's break. Is the news understandable from a business

[Rude-ro]

Just a quick note, in life, all things that are not food are a luxury.
Making an advanced console is as luxury as the previous model.
How come Microsoft has the patent for two new versions of a console but no articles and there is no evidence for Sony but hundreds?
Even the leaked documents are hear say.
Man, talk about a blatant agenda.

[Volkama]

Agenda? Sony news is dominating gaming media everywhere and we're barely hearing anything about the Xbox or the NX. Poor Sony must hate that!

...
...

[darthv72]

@rude-ro... escargot and caviare are food and yet also a luxury.

On topic though, this is the New PS4 XL like Nintendo has the New 3DS XL. No matter what sony says (if true) there WILL be games that require the Neo to play just like there are some games that require the new 3Ds to play. It would be unavoidable.

[Arrow2283]

That is a very good point. I was thinking the same thing.

[S2Killinit]

It looks like MS is doing the same thing. In fact it was MS that originally mentioned they were going to make an upgraded version of xboxone. So whatever people may think about this, it goes for all console manufacturers.

@darth
I was listening to a psiloveyou podcast, they read the official mission statement for PS4Neo and it specifically said It is mandatory to make the games for both SKUs and not just one or the other. And if you think about it, it doesnt make sense to do otherwise.

[freshslicepizza]

probably because there are more than A 2-1 ratio of playstation fans here on n4g which is at odds of oevrall sales. not sure why that is.

anyways the article once again highlights the problems with a lot of copnsole gamers who seem to complain about anything. if the old ps4 can still play all the new games what's the problem other than suffering from superiority complex? sony isn't dumb enough to make exclusive games when there are already over 35 million ps4's out there.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Volk- LOL! Always good for the lolz Volk! I agree 100%. I don't think Sony cares, if anything I think they are loving that they are being talked about.

This could also help MS as it allows them to be the sleeping Giants at E3. While Sony is announcing something many of us already know, MS will be announcing something many of us might have had off our radar for the bigger shock. It could help.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Moldy- " if the old ps4 can still play all the new games what's the problem other than suffering from superiority complex? sony isn't dumb enough to make exclusive games when there are already over 35 million ps4's out there."

100% agreed. If the issue is "someone else got something I like" then its not really an issue at all. If its going to play all PS4 games and not have its own, no fragmentation should exist considering PS4.5 won't have its own market to its own.

[freshslicepizza]

@_-EDMIX-_

if anything it will be microsoft who will move forward with new hardware that does indeed fragment the xbox. they have been behind this whole generation. why would sony disrupt what is essentially a perfect launch with the ps4 and fracture what will be over 40 million ps4's out there by the time this new ps4 comes out? it sort of made sense when sega and nintendo tried to improve its hardware because they were technically behind the curve at the time. the ps4 is the most powerful console this generation, so there really is no need to make games for a new updated system.

[Eonjay]

Link to patents please. I would like to read up. And not that Wifi thing.

[Rude-ro]

That "wifi" thing is for two new models with one of the versions manual locked to private till June 29th. What goal post are you holding when it comes to actual evidence?
Sony ps4k evidence = nothing and everyone believes it to be real
Microsoft applications for approval with a owners manual locked to private = link me to proof bro.

[Tsar4ever01]

I think I can explain what the ps4 Neo is for, it's for the sorry ass, complaining bitch fan boys who can't stop crying about why can't they play their online multi-player games in 1080p/60! Or the online analysis or pcgamer heads who keeps comparing their hi_end builds the ps4 midrange specs. That's what I believe the Neo is really for, the hardware Enthusiasts! Shut them up. And of course to push the 4k media standard , and to better serve the power output of psvr.

[Ark_]

Just a quick note: there are many things in life - besides food - that are not luxury.

We do not live in desperate times, where everything is about survival.
Take a car, Tv or mobile phone: they are items considered as living STANDARD in the western world. Luxury is a mobile phone with diamonds on it (diamonds add nothing to it's functionality), a hometheater for 30.000$ (instead of a TV) or a Lamorgini (instead of a normal family car). Another example: having a roof above your head and something to heat the thing is definitly not luxury, a villa with 10 bathrooms and pool is.

On topic: The PS Neo would neither be a luxury item nor is it an insult. Clickbait headline as allways.

[kenwonobi]

Yeah for Microsoft it's opportunity but for PS4 complete different articles. Enough already Microsoft media. You lost. Get over it. There is nothing to jump on here. Just another option given by Sony. A great one. Just like Virtual reality. Just great options.

[Fatal-Aim]

3DS XL: a luxury or an insult to Nintendo fans?

Like shut the heck up already.

[OpenGL]

It's annoying and distressing to people that like the traditional idea of a console. I'll probably still buy one though if it's true because I waste a lot of money on luxury items like this, and I'll need a 4K Blu-ray player.

[blackblades]

No its annoying seeing all these stupid articles popping up talking about the same thing for like a month. Also annoying thing is that people keep talking about it like it's been confirmed.

[sk8ofmnd]

Well, usually when it runs this ramped and sony neither confirms or denies anything... Its most likely true... How true all this is, is all speculation. We know it most likely will be a slimmer, uhd streaming, forward thinking machine (psvr), but to what extent all of this other stuff is true, we will have to wait till e3.

I agree im tired of all this hooplaw AND hearing ppl bitch and complain. IF* sony does go beast mode and offer a bump in graphics ect... Either get it or dont... Nobody gives a flying f#!$ how you feel* about it. It will be bought in droves reguardless of the publicity it gets. I am a sony fan and have been since the ps1 days. As long as they keep making games that i want to play and services i appreciate, ill support them till its not fun anymore.

Same with nintendo. Go beast mode. Pleassse... Brinnng ittt

I know one thing... Sony has got to be rolling around like scrooge mcduck with all this free publicity right about nowww. I hope just to shut up all the naysayers it is this more capable machine and show everyone that it can be done offering the same game but two versions just one a tad bit more expensive for those not whining and complaining that can afford it. Its a win win. Gamestop will most likely offer a trade in special for ppl like me annnd it will make the og console even cheaper for those still on the fence. Which is sonys MAIN goal to get as many ps4/ps4k consoles in ppls homes to BUY sony products.

[Shubhendu_Singh]

I still not understand why PS4 users are angry over this.
PS4K will have no exclusives. No special content. Just minimum native 1080p60f games, with a Bluray drive.

No gadget or electronics does this weird 6-7 year cycle that consoles does. Basically if you want to throw more money at a shinier iPhone than there is option, if you're happy with the old one than buy whenever you want after 2-6 years. OPTIONS are always amazing, more so when they take nothing from the original product. I think some just fear to be feeling like second class citizens which is not true at all.

@OpenGL : Gaming PC. So ? It still doesn't shake the fact that PS4 will STILL get the same games, the same support till PS5 launches - doesn't matter if PS4K exists or not. Because of no Excl thing. Is it just annoying because it makes people feel like second class citizens ? How ?

[OpenGL]

What you describe is literally a gaming PC.

[sk8ofmnd]

I agree. Read my post above yours! i can see how salty i might be if i had just gotten this thing, but i didnt. I preordered the damn thing and got it day one. I was sooo close to spending 900+ $$ on a gaming pc but now ill think i will wait to see what sony does. Im not asking for much. Most the games all ready do 1080p all i want is 60 fps. Id gladly trade in mine and pay a set amount for a quieter, smaller, more capable machine! It cant cost that much extra!

[uth11]

You're assuming the PS4 will get the same support. In other areas of the industry where they have this incremental hardware releases, the old hardware tends to get software it can barely run-- done on purpose to entice them to upgrade.

Why would it be any different here? Sony will want to sell these things. It will be hard to do so if the existing PS4 is getting games that run perfectly well on it.

[kenwonobi]

This is exactly that. A new shiny IPhone. They see this trend in phones. So nobody complains there about that. I see no problem. The problem is there are no problems left so the media tries to create one. When in actuality people are interested in this. It doesn't effect them though.

[N8]

I couldn't have said it better. I'm a sucker for this type of stuff. I'm already looking at my ps4 in disgust. I guess I'm part of the problem

[medman]

LOL...I'm right with you. Though I would say "disgust" is a bit strong....I would say I'm more looking at my ps4 wistfully, knowing my time with it is limited, for when the Neo comes out, I'm sure I'll be buying one if it indeed has a better gpu, cpu, etc. etc.

[kenwonobi]

Yep I'll probably buy it too. It's no doubt a luxury item that nobody needs regardless if it does com out. It won't effect anyone who doesn't either.

[Vasto]

Its an insult to people that have bought PS4 systems.

[ShadowKnight]

So what happens when Microsoft does the same thing and announces their Xbox 1.5? Will it be an insult?

[OpenGL]

Yes

[Vasto]

If it makes the original Xbox One totally irrelevant like the Neo seems to be doing then yes.

[equal_youth]

I feel in no way insulted by a new upgraded Ps4 Model. I played countless Hours on my ps4 and i'm definitely willing to pay for an upgraded version Day1. And even if i won't get one on the day it's released games will still look the same they did before. Only games on Neo Mode will look better or run better. That said The NEO will reach it's limitations one day and then it will be another console that will rise up maybe it's from sony maybe not.

I see no problem as far as there won't be any exclusives for neo over the next few years. Maybe there will be once another update arrives and then the cycle repeats itself.

Edit@volkama: yeah you're right but I know what Spencer said about US so called "second class citizens" :p

[Volkama]

Yeah but you haven't heard what Shuhei Yoshida said about you behind your back.

[GamerGT]

I don't feel insulted either. I don't have a 4K TV in my house right now. I've been eyeing them sure but when I do get around to getting one then I can get the PS4 NEO as my primary gaming console and use my OG PS4 as my secondary console in my bedroom. It's going to capture 3 markets: PS4 owners who would like that second PS4(me), PS4 owners who want to trade in and upgrade, and people who haven't picked up a PS4 yet at all. And to say it's just like PC is not accurate. There's no additional costs for Windows Operating System, no Office Suite, No Email service. messaging yes. But not email. Just a gaming and entertainment device. That will always be the difference between a console and a PC.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Equal- Agreed.

@Volk- we need to give this man spiritual bubbles for the lolz today!

[Eonjay]

I got the Galaxy Note 5 a few months ago and I think I paid more than the cost of my PS4.... should I feel insulted when Samsung releases the Note 6 next year? We can't have one set of rules just for Sony and another set of rules for everyone else.

[equal_youth]

Maybe once all those bitter feelings towards it will go away people will see the benefits.

[Volkama]

You gonna let Samsung get away with that? Man up and shout some swears at them or something!

[Ck1x]

I have no clue why people use the cellphone analogy, when phones are subsidized by the carrier under contract and ever since the boom of smartphones we all expect them to be replaced or upgraded the following year. Sony and Microsoft didn't go into the launch of PS4 and XbOne stating in a couple of years we plan on releasing new models. Many people probably would have just waited if that were the case for the new systems.

[ninsigma]

@ck1x
America is the only place where paying a monthly bill for phones is extremely wide spread and the norm. I'm on bill pay but this is for the first time ever. Most people outside of the states will buy the phones at full cost.

Consoles are older than mobile phones and adapting to new market trends is what will keep them relevant. Whether this will be done correctly or not is yet to be seen (if this is even real) but if we're at a point where all the consoles can be backwards and forwards compatible (the move to x86 really helps that) then releasing an update roughly 3 years a part might be a happy medium. It wouldn't be every year so you get good use out of it and if they're forwards compatible then there's no need to upgrade every 3 years. Upgrade every 6 instead and it'll be just like an ordinary generation. This is all hypothetical anyway. Until Sony announces this, it's all rumour.

[Kal-V3]

How does the existence of the "NEO" diminish in anyway the fact that you bought a PS4 and it still has the same features and play the same games that it would have if the "NEO" never existed? Everyone getting mad are doing it over things that MIGHT happen but talking about them like they are definitely going to happen. The PS4 you bought isnt going to be changed and support isnt stopping for it anytime soon. NEO ISNT A DIFFERENT SYSTEM, lets stop talking about it like it is (if it even exists). It is a ps4 with slightly better specs. If you buy i new video card for your PC, does it all of a sudden become a new system with its own games? People have to stop letting manufactured rage think for them.

[Vasto]

It is a different system. Its more powerful with better cpu, ram and gpu.

Just because the same games will come out for both does not make the systems the same.

Software and Hardware are 2 different things.

[equal_youth]

@ vasto

Dude, seriously? Software has everything to do with hardware.
It will be the same sku just more powerful.

Edit @ vasto: Software builds upon hardware thats the way things get developed.

And they do share the same hardware one is just more powerful. Once Developers get used to this x86 architecture Graphic engines will be made on a much more scalable level then there made by now.

[Vasto]

@ equal_youth

What are you talking about saying Hardware has everything to do with software?

Hardware and Software are different. Even the software will be different because one version will be better than the other version.

Now back to the Neo and PS4

They are different consoles because they don't share the same hardware. For something to be the same it has to be identical. This is common sense.

[S2Killinit]

@vasto
How do you feel about MS's xbox1.5?

[Kal-V3]

Slim versions of Consoles have different hardware, even CPU and RAM (See: Xbox 360 and PSP for a few examples.The PSP actually has double the RAM in one of its revisions. All PSPs still played the same game.). Doesnt make them "Different Consoles". They are different yes, obviously, but play the same games no matter what PS4 (or 360 or PSP for that matter)it is. PS3 to PS4 are different systems\consoles, what ever you want to call them. Different games, environment, application software and yes...hardware too. You seem to be confused to the fact that just because it's different hardware that it will be a different environment\ platform.

[medman]

@Vasto
I would be interested to hear why you would be insulted. I bought a ps4, and I'm not insulted at all. If the Neo gives me the option to play games at 60fps instead of 30fps, that sounds pretty good to me. If playing games at 30fps doesn't matter to you, then why get upset? Have you looked at any ps4 games and thought they should look better? They look pretty good to me....the graphical bump they're talking about would be a nice bonus, but by all means if I were to buy a Neo, it would be for the improved fps. I don't see how that is anything to get bent out of shape over.

[HawaiianDreads]

The only reason I can see why vasto and the others are complaining is because they now have the inferior product. Even though it been rumored may times that both consoles will share the same games and the user base won't be split up, they still feel betrayed. That's the only thing I can think of this outrage they feel. I mean it's not like the devs are going to drop 40 million users for this upgrade console. Honestly they have a few choices.

1.Just ignore the Neo and enjoy their base PS4. (what I'm planning to do)
2.Go out and buy a Neo if they want the upgrade (doubt they will do this)
3.Feel betrayed and sell their ps4 and go to the other competitor consoles.
4.Build a PC.

[S2Killinit]

MS is doing the same thing so yeah if its an "insult" to these guys it has to be an "insult" to them as well. As for me im just excited for a better PS4 and my PSVR.

"Totally irrelevant"? Care to explain? From their official mission statement the exact opposite seems to be Sony's aim. Also with the number of consoles in peoples homes it wouldnt even make sense from a business point of view.

[ninsigma]

What has been rumoured in no way makes ps4 irrelevant. Way to blow it up astronomically.

Edit:
"They are different consoles because they don't share the same hardware. For something to be the same it has to be identical. This is common sense."

Actually it's not common sense. They may be different hardware wise but if the architecture is the same then it's the same console just more powerful. If neo exists and architecturally it is built exactly the same as ps4 only with better hardware then it's the same console. If I swapped my gpu out for a better one, does that make my pc a different pc??

[_-EDMIX-_]

"If it makes the original Xbox One totally irrelevant" Yes...because it won't be able to play games after the new one comes out....../s

[sk8ofmnd]

No, it was an insult for them to be so underpowered from the start... I was hoping we would have seen the same jump in graphics but no its only slightly better

[ritchi45]

Think in terms of mobile phones. The Neo is an upgraded version of the Base model.

[OpenGL]

Most people buy their phones subsidized through a carrier like Verizon or AT&T.

[Genuine-User]

Most people don't live in America.

[Clown_Syndr0me]

Most phones are on contracts though, I haven't bought a phone outright for around 7 years.

[uth11]

Like mobile? So Sony will subsidize it and sell me the upgrade for 1 cent then?

[equal_youth]

Yeah but ur still paying for ur new phone even if it is in smaller steps and included into your mobile contract.

Edit: Sry i wanted to reply to OpenGL :o

[Eidolon]

1. Games and apps are super scalable to hardware on Android and Iphone. I can still run games and apps on my old GS2, albeit I'm limited, but not that much..
2. PS4/Xbox1 have hardly been fully taking advantage of as far as a platform and squeezing out performance.
3. The user base will be split, for sure. Come on, a console solely to run current games at 60fps/1080p, you do know that they would have to create another version of the game, right? It's totally unmarketable, for a console to be released that won't be fully taken advantage of.. Hence, if there is a PS4.5 or a Xb1.5(with upgraded GPU/CPU/RAM), THERE WILL BE GAMES THAT WILL NOT BE FOR CURRENT CONSOLES, AND THEREFORE SPLITTING USER BASE. DON'T BE NAIVE!

[Kal-V3]

....OR "Clickbait nonsense to drum up controversy and clicks". Everyone is guilty of this, not just this site.

[Ruggadagod]

If I see no real benefit I'll stick with my original PS4 for years to come. It's why I love consoles. I can just buy a system, have loads of fun for years without upgrading practically anything, and then buying the new console when it arrives. It gives me an ensuring feeling that I'm not being left behind by the company. Especially Playstation consoles since they have such long game library lifespans.

[Elimin8]

Both? A luxurious insult? lol couldn't help it

[Volkama]

Suddenly reminded of The Matrix, and swearing in French. "It's like wiping your ass with velvet."

[Elimin8]

lol

[GUTZnPAPERCUTZ]

Slightly overclocked CPU, GPU and RAM... No thanks, to anyone who already has one looking for a huge leap in performance, it might add 1080p to games that are not 1080p with the same graphic settings but not much more than that... I mean the extra CU's are the most noticeable hardware benefits but they are still lacking RAM amount and Clock speed for the CPU and GPU. I will probably pick it up since I don't have a PS4 yet and want one!

[trooper_]

Another article about this? Really?

And it's mostly negative nonsense.

[Herbalistic]

I don't see it as an insult being as people would still be able to play the same software on the reg model.There is a market for updated editions of Xbox and PS consoles.

[ninsigma]

Yeah it would be wrong if the were to just release a ps5 now with exclusive games not on ps4. As long as everyone is included for as long as the ps4 system (s) is the flagship and games are optimised to work on base model as if neo didnt exist then it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Ps4 owners who don't care about the upgrade will carry on as if nothing has changed. New owners will likely buy the neo model or go for a reduced price base model if strapped for cash. Some current ps4 owners will upgrade to neo. Sounds like a system that could work for all consoles moving forward. Needs to be done correctly though.

[S2Killinit]

Wherher its an insult or a gift to gamers who have been bemoaning that current consoles are to underpowered, the truth is that the whole industry is moving in this direction to survive, as MS is also doing the same thing.

[feraldrgn]

Or an unconfirmed rumour.

[cyclindk]

Would work out well for me as it gives me justification to donate my current one to another room for strictly Movie watching, streaming purposes. I keep the upgrade.

[Tsunade]

Just a point to consider.

Every year, me, as many others, buys a new Samsung Galaxy phone $700 to $800. No one seems to be mad when a new model is announced in fact people are waiting for it. Every time I say: I will not buy a new model again, my current t model is still new and ok!!! And then when I am at the store and see the new model guess what? I end up buying it cause I can't resist new technology. This is the same with iPhone, TV, and other devices.

Can it be that all the buzz is just because we are not used to this on the console market? If this NEO stuff fails, we can be sure that our market will stay a fixed one for years to come. We as customers are going to be the ones to decide if our market will remain the same or it will be like the other markets lately.

The NEO reference could not be more true to this situation.

Take the red pill for the same fixed market or take the blue pill and let see how deep the rabbit hole goes.

[Tankbusta40]

"Every year, me, as many others, buys a new Samsung Galaxy phone $700 to $800. No one seems to be mad when a new model is announced in fact people are waiting for it. "

My friend you need to get off that cell phone craze

[Tankbusta40]

As long as I don't miss out on games for this new model then I am fine, however if this becomes like a Sega cd/32X situation... It will be my last Sony console and I will just move back to computer.

[ninsigma]

This is it pretty much. It's can't have exclusives or it's done and all good will they've built will be gone. If it's real, I hope they do this the right way.

[Tankbusta40]

Amen brother!

[Bolts]

You can stay on the PS4 weak sauce if you like. But I gotta have that Neo mode. Since when in the gaming world is more performance bad?

[dillhole]

Is it going to be like the iPhone? They keep releasing faster versions, but the apps still work on the old one, gradually becoming more and more sluggish and lacking functions until you just give in and upgrade? That's what it feels like. I see why they would do this but I'd rather it be an expansion that you just slot in the back of the console or something rather than have to buy the entire system again.

[Drithe]

I think the more important question here should be, why are all the games for the ps4 overpriced? In particular, why should have to pay 3.99 for Pacman? PACMAN! Why cant we just bring over Namco's classics from the ps3? FOUL I SAY!!!

[Nightmar3Demom]

I just don't see how a fractured fan base is ever a good thing

[amazinglover]

If this turns out to be true for both MS and Sony I will be a little upset only because these are the consoles we should have had in the first place. Ten years between cycles and we don't get anywhere near the leap in technology we should have had, if games work for both models I may not upgrade just for 1080P/60FS I have a beast of a PC for that. All I want is fun games that work and don't have a million glitches or errors (TheDivision). As far 4k is concerned there isn't enough content or cheap enough TVs for me to worry about them so they won't factor into my decision to care about these if true.

[fitfox]

insult duh

[BABY-JEDI]

I'm sitting on an invisible fence regarding this one. It will really depend on the graphical & gameplay (fps) improvements, as well as how it improves the PSVR experience. I haven't got either 2K or 4K soo, that's not of interest.

[DOOMZ]

I want mine NOW!!!!

[Joe913]

Still think it is a bad move on sony's part this is the console they should have put out in the first place they knew they were working on VR and 4k. Why didn't they future proof they stuff smells like double dipping to me which could be the end of their lead . Don't get me wrong I do not think Xbox will catch up but Sony cannot spew they for the gamers crap because you basically made ppl buy a console twice to get the best specs when those specs should have been in the first console or they should have saved some stuff for ps5 a ps5 would only be a few years out at most no reason they cannot wait.

[kenwonobi]

It's luxury obviously. No there is no chance of Xbox using this to their advantage. The opportunity is over. This is just for people who like a little extra power. If you don't? Guess what it doesn't effect a PS4 user one bit.

[Rhezin]

AN INSULT. No two ways about it.

[SavingPvt_Highon]

I'm buying it along side the PSVR. I'm ready for Morpheus and NEO to usher me into the Matrix this October.