PS4 Neo Reaction - PS I Love You XOXO Ep. 32

Welcome to this weeks PS I LOVE YOU XOXO featuring the latest PS news and opinions from Kinda Funny Games. Also includes this feature report "Giant Bomb has details on PS4 Neo -- AKA PS4.5" -- so Greg and Colin jump back in the podcast room and give you a very special episode.

[quiddd]

All consumers don't want to spend exorbitant amounts every three to four years on a console. There will be early adopters from those who have to extra income. Boy from those who don't, Sony might have a tough road ahead. The only way I see Sony seeing people upgrade, especially if you already have a PS4 is, 1) having a 'offer you can't refuse upgrade/trade-in system and 2) not introducing a PS5 in the same time period(make the Neo life cycle longer)

[Eonjay]

It was a good conversation. The points need to be brought up but its not that serious. The problem with Colin's argument is that he is in a position to get it and he should be thankful. There are people who wont be able to afford it and they will settle with the PS4 and they will be happy. You might not believe this but every time a new phone comes out, not everyone feels compelled to upgrade. Some people are perfectly happy. Addressing a premium market isn't a betrayal. It would be like buying a car. You don't get pissed when the dealership releases a new model the following year. Thats ridiculous.

[FullmetalRoyale]

I'm just not willing to go along with the console market doing that. I don't upgrade my phone, and I damn sure don't upgrade my car every three years. That's ridiculous, to me. Spending that much money every year is crazy to me as well, but I don't mean that judgementally.
If you people allow my gaming to be corrupted into that, it is incredibly selfish. It's great the way it is, it is not?
Can we ever just enjoy what we have? Does everything have to be more, more, more, now, now, now??

[Bobafret]

Not opposed to cursing but they drop the F bomb way too much, seriously infantile. This goes for other shows as well. OT, the specs they give do not seem that powerful, and I don't think Sony would want to improve in a small increment like that.

[joeorc]

Its other gamers craving Sony to flush its good will down the toilet..that's why its ironic this is still just a Rumor..but there is a real hung ho attitude to See Sony do this..its very clear if the Microsofts Xbox was in position sales and market wise and Sony was in Microsofts position sales wise would there be all this talk about Upgrading badly 2.5 years in?

Be honest with yourself..no we would not be talking about this upgrading at all this soon..you cannot buy better negative viral marketing as being employed toward Sony right now..

Strange Sony is about to ship 500,000 VR units to be in demo stations hooked up to current PS4%s but yet all these "Rumors" is about so PSVR would run better? Because Sony needs to?

All of this "Upgrading talk" is to slow the sales of the current OS4 model going into the fall selling season.

Common sense tell you this Colin even states..PSVita, PS3, PS2 all have had redesigns before there was release of a new system if at all in the series. So Suddenly now with the release of PSVR and over 500,000 Demo stations being used with current PS4 hardware.

Sony is now going to try to push out another premium PS4 model, that will A) cost more to make thus increase costs and most likely take a loss on a hardware level..which both the current PS4 did not sell at a loss when it was released..or again as the PSVR will be selling @Profit Also just in hardware alone.. But now Sony wants to loose money on a hardware basis?

B) for the Rumor being the current model PS4 is not adequate enough to run VR..but yet Sony is shipping over 500,000 VR headsets to be used to Demo on current PS4's...but yet Sony is releasing this Model because Sony needs it to compete with OculusRift & HTC Vive?

Have people lost all common sense?

Come on people its to dampen the Current PS4 sales

[ApocalypseShadow]

I would love to see these documents. If you break a story(giant bomb), you would think they would show their work, prove what their saying. I'm not saying it's false, but I am saying there's no point in a minor update.

Also, I might add for those who think I like the idea, I was just as against Microsoft doing it as I'm against Sony doing it. But it's strange that all that talk DISAPPEARS about Microsoft doing it, but people are running rampant with the story that Sony's doing it.I find it strange that there's no response to Sony possibly taking more market share with more hardware. Not even a peep from them. Also strange.

I also believe this is to slow PS4 sales from viral marketing. But we'll see. But I'm disappointed that gamers now think 30fps is now unplayable for games. I'm well aware about 60fps, but I'm not opposed to 30fps in any way because I don't chase graphics like some do . we all know when a frame rate is unplayable.30fps is fine. And there is no guarantee developers will make 60fps when they can just as easily make a better looking 1080p/30 fps game making Neo only about extra detail.

[joeorc]

Ironic..all this talk about this supposed PS4.5 being needed for VR..

What's pretty funny is Sony for the last 6 months was showing off VR working off of the standard PS4 system SKU..and after all the designs testing..invesrment..public showing..

Sending now 500,000 Demo station units to across the USA market using existing PS4's to show off VR..

A Rumor gets circulated say now that after all that investment, That Sony feels now just before PSVR launches this fall that the current model that is the PS4 is

"Not Adequate enough" to handle VR?

Excuse me..some Virtual "Quote Document exists" about Sony is giving to Dev's when all this time. The current PS4 is not Enough?

Some how , Some way Sony did not Account for VR properly for console's? I mean its not like Nintendo or Microsoft's VR HMDs for games console's are just as good right? Oh' wait a minute.. That's right they do not have a VR headset.

But. But..it needs the extra power to compete with OculusRift & HTC vive..

Hmm. Is there going to be 500,000 VR demo stations across north America for you to try out the OculusRift or HTC Vive?

Someone is trying to blow smoke up peoples keister. And it sure is not Sony..

[alwayzbusi1]

The more I think about it, the more this feels like the vr processing unit built-in. I mean going from 18 cu's to 36 cu's is the most substantial improvement. That sounds like what's needed for the ps4 to run the vr social screen or vr separate mode on its own. (Double the power/two screens). Why else would they go through all of this trouble (and backlash) to upgrade the ps4 and then heavily limit the way devs take advantage of it.

Edit: This benefits Sony business wise thus giving them a reason to do this. Let's look at the breakdown:

Psvr processing unit = can only be sold to psvr adopters. (Less profit)

Upgraded ps4 = can be sold to any new and existing ps4 owners regardless of vr (more profit)

Psvr processing unit = manufacturing cost of the chipset, case, power adapter, and hdmi cable. (Less profit)

Upgraded ps4 = manufacturing cost of upgraded gpu and psvr headset port. (More profit)

Then there is asthetics,. Way more streamlined look with less cables. Making vr more accessible to the casual crowd.

This is the why people. Think about it, it all fits. I also think there will be a bomb dropped when this thing is officially announced and psvr (without the processing unit) gets a moderate discount or gets bundled with this thing for cheap. And what if Sony doesn't push this neo mode the way we think they will. It could be implemented quietly without making a big deal out of it. For example "introducing ps4 slim now with 4k up scaling/output." Games that up scale to 4k could simply have a 4k checkbox on the back.

At the end of the day, we all know one thing. Sony hasn't said a word. Considering they've been making all the right moves this gen, there may be a method to this madness. Let's wait and see.

[Tsunade]

That is what I don't understand. They have been making all the right moves this gen. Why this? We need an explanation soon.

[joeorc]

That does not make sense, because by Oct. Sony is shipping out 500,000 PSVR demo units across the United States brick & Mortar stores and its the current PS4 that will be used inside the Demo stations..if as you stated if it was for VR..why even have releasing VR if such was the case the PS4.5 would be needed for VR..

Sony is Showing off VR using existing PS4 systems ..1st appearance's are everything when it comes to selling a product!

That makes no sense if 2.4 years in after development for VR since 2010 Sony would do this?

Especially since the cost of the VR headset alone is $399.00 in the console market .releasing a sku with x2 the GPU CU's after only 2.4 years for the current model..all the while some gamers claiming the current system is not strong enough..for VR? But yet PSVR is not even out yet?

But yet Sony is spending and manufacturing, millions of current PS4's at a production level and now gamers and the media are saying Sony is now going to be in production of a separate PS4..with separate chipsets? What will the production of such units be?

Meanwhile the whole time gathering negative news when Sony is trying to launch a new Playstation VR platform?

It just does not make any sense with PS4 only being on the market for such a short point in time.

For Sony to do this.

[alwayzbusi1]

The current ps4 is not powerful enough to run psvr the way they want to. That's why every current ps4 will have an external processing unit connected to it for social screen or separate mode. That's why they want to save money by building it into the ps4. (Aka Ps4 neo)

Edit to the disagrees:Then why does psvr have the pu box? If the ps4 is powerful enough for their vr visoin, why add it? I have a strong feeling neo is just including this box and the vr experience will be the same across the board.

[Tsunade]

I don't know guys, I don't even know how to feel about this. I mean, why? Like Collin said, the PS4 has no competition, they have the best selling console this gen, the more powerful and they are wining every month on NPD. The Nintendo NX is not a thread even if it is more powerful, we know they don't have a good network service.

Why taking such a big risk for such a successful product as the PS4? With this, Sony's E3 is already heated up and people will be waiting for a VERY VERY VERY GOOD EXPLANATION for this.

I just don't get it.

[Allsystemgamer]

Well it's not really a risk. They're being sold along side the ps4. The games will be the same but perform a little better on the updated system. It won't have anything to exclusive. There's no actual benefit to getting it other than enhanced performance. It's just a bonus for later adopters and those who want one.

It doesn't impact current ps4 owners in any way.

[Testfire]

I agree with Greg in this one. People are overreacting big time on a RUMOR of what may or may not be the features and their affects on the PS4.

However,IF this new piece of hardware can run games at not only higher resolutions but also better/more stable frame rates that can be an issue. If that happens, Sony may have shot themselves in the foot as it will affect the trust many consumers have in them. Many buy consoles over PC gaming for the reason that a specific console will have 7 + years of dedication to it without change (other than more efficient components) and for example the guy that bought a launch PS3 and a new consumer that bought an end model PS3 will have the same experience.

If mid cycle hardware changes that can actually affect game performance becomes a thing, it'll turn off a lot of people, especially early adopters. If all a person can afford is one system per generation, that person will now be sceptical to buy an early model. They'll now just wait a couple years for the coming revision.

We'll see what happens at E3, but Sony better not screw this one up, and I'll reserve my judgments until then.

[joeorc]

That my friend is how you destroy the console market..that's exactly what Sony wants to see..many gamers wait for the PS5.5 instead of trying to sell you a PS5..what this would in effect do is kill any chance for PlayStation's to sell units at the start of any generation.

Many state , well if Sony does this I'm going toward PC..?
You think that is in reference to a Linux powered PC? I doubt it , its pretty sure fire way to push people right into the Eco system of Sony's direct Competition.

The real reason for all this talk is to slow down the current PS4 system sales..

I am in very serious doubt this PS4.5 is even a consumer passed product for the game console market..if any thing it would be a PS4 for the media center market..iE: for to go along with a TV media center SKU. Sony has been known to do so.

Like making the Media center PS2 in Japan? Remember that?

It would be quite ironic if that is exactly what it is.
And if so I doubt very much its going to be $399.00

Lmao

[Testfire]

If I had to guess what the Neo is, imo it's really geared towards making the PSVR a viable piece of hardware. VR needs horsepower, bottom line. Maybe even with that processor box it has, it was still too taxing on the PS4's current hardware. If that's the case, you're still left with 40 million? PS4s out there that will be less capable when running VR. It's really a case of 1 step forward and another back if that's the case.

[joeorc]

Why Sony are you doing this:
Maybe because Sony is not doing this?
When has a Rumor, been confirmed to be confirmed?

We have an inside source?
Ask Xbox one developers.. Are Sony releasing a PS4.5?
Xbox one developers: sure..they sure will.
Gamer media :
"Sony inside source "
states Sony is releasing a new upgraded PS4, 2.4 yours in?

[psnoob]

Colin is simply freaking out. Greg is more sensible. PS4 is the main console and base machine which will stay till and may be even after PS5 is launched and be supported by Sony. PS4 Neo or PS4K is for people who need more performance from the base model or interested in PS VR, 4K support.

[GUTZnPAPERCUTZ]

I don't think anyone should buy one who has a PS4, I mean a slightly overclocked CPU, GPU and RAM is not enough of a jump (Compared to whats already offered) to consider a huge upgrade in visuals, Now the extra CU's is a nice touch and will be the noticeable part of the hardware that really makes a difference. I have yet to buy a PS4, so I will be getting one of these as long as the price is not above $400.

[creeping judas]

So let's assume we get a PS4 Neo, and a Xbox 1.5, and let's just pretend that the Xbox 1.5 ends up with a more powerful graphics chip, more memory, simply put a more powerful console than the PS4Neo will be (all hypothetical here), would all the PS4 owners switch to the Xbox 1.5, because it has been made clear that the PS4 is in the lead because it is the more powerful of the two consoles. So I am honestly curious if there would be a flip here?

[joeorc]

I mean at the start of this generation Xbox one was seen by many to be best enough to the power of the PS4 it did not matter..its selling faster than the xbox360 at its time..did that really effect the Xbox one since its selling faster than the xbox360 in America and the UK?

To many in those markets no..so why would it do the same to Playstation.. Let's look at last cycle..the xbox360 in north America and UK. Was selling very well , and many on the gamer forums stated over and over that it took majority of the Playstation platforms market share last generation..did it hinder the Playstation market share this generation in North America's & UK's market for Playstation this generation?

The Ps4 was not all about being the more powerful console being the main reason it was selling..its selling because of the Eco system Sony has built up for their Playstation Brand..

That's no different than what Microsoft has done in building its Windows OS brand for the only place to really play on their Operating system for PC gaming.

Sony's Playsyation us not just for the north american market.."NPD" sales tracking which many gamers say the most important market is North America.. No the most important market is the

World wide Market..game console market is world wide..

Here is the point..many called Playstation an "indiestation" what many gamers on gamer forums call indies..especially many Japanese game's they never heard of in the west as indies or games that are not AAA or do not really matter.

Well they do in fact matter, what many gamers in the west..mainly Gamers that only really look at the next Halo, COD or Uncharted or Mario or Zelda fail over and over to understand..is a AAA games is what a gamer views or to be..if that game is played by such a gamer hours on end..is that game than a AAA to that gamer if he is enjoying the game?

A better Question on a world wide, what has Microsoft offered to the consumer to convince them to switch to Xbox from Nintendo or Sony's offerings.

World wide gamers taste in games can varies.. A consoles power is not the main driving force that will determine its sales.

Its Eco system will.

[psnoob]

No. But for general public it depends if they both release with 1-2months of each other. If Xbone 1.5 is 50$ cheaper they might have advantage provided that they give same or better performance to PS4 neo. Exclusive games wise Sony is better. But I do not think there will be much difference in performance. Not like PS4 and Xbone. If Xbone 1.5 or so comes a year late then by that time PS4 neo will drop in price so they will still have advantage.

[JohnnyAkiba]

I bought a Ps4 in Outober last year for MGS5 and the game was a piece of s!#$. Now this...

[RGB]

Don't know if Sony planned this but console marketing could get tasty...

PS4 NEO
NEO is the ONE!

[RGB]

Colin should really think more, Greg seems to get it that PS4 will still sell well and be around.
Sony won't launch PS4 NEO and have the standard PS4 in the same price range, it'll hurt both products & the business.

Sony should announce a huge price drop at E3 for PS4 to $199 and announce PS4 NEO at $399.
$199 standard PS4 gives millions of people a lower barrier of entry into this gaming cycle whilst the $399 NEO offers people a high-end experience with increased resolution & frame rate (better VR content too).

[RGB]

In addition to Greg being more level headed, you don't need to buy this, just like 3DS owners haven't stepped up in mass to buy New 3DS.
I got PSP pre-owned 2 years after launch, I didn't have to get the other models and I didn't, I missed both slim versions but got PSP GO. I have a Vita, didn't have slim model. I still have a standard PS2, not the slimline. Only got a slim PS3 because my FAT broke, was covered and it happened luckily as PS3 Slim was released. Still have my slim PS3, not interested in the super slim.

You don't have to "upgrade", PS4 will still get the games.

[Wotbot]

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot and pissing off all the recent purchase PS4 owners, go Sony lets f¥ck it all up just when you are dominating the market again, nice one.

[q8kik]

All I keep hearing is "No I don't want better performing games"
Can Someone please explain how is this bad for us? the only thing people keep saying is " it will piss PS4 owners".................. So no PS4 Neo because manchildren...........ffs

[Wotbot]

It's about the investment people have made. I would have waited for a console that could have done 1080p and 60 frames on all games.
They have just let MS back into a new generation and the game

[q8kik]

This sh!t happens to every product related to technology everything from cars, phones, T.V's, audio equipment camera's etc
So why not consoles too? If it's every 3 years then it's not nearly as bad as phones for example.
If Sony wants to improve their consoles mid cycle to help move this industry forward without screwing over the early adopters then kudos to them and to every company that follows suit.

[Allsystemgamer]

$400 is hardly an investment. The psneo will have absolutely NO affect on the current install base. The system and games will be exactly the same aside from one performing slightly better and dropping the price of the original system.

How is this a bad thing at all? New adopters get a better system and old adopters get the same games.

Besides. The consoles are extremely lacking in power to begin with.

[joeorc]

[The current ps4 is not powerful enough to run psvr the way they want to. That's why every current ps4 will have an external processing unit connected to it for social screen or separate mode. That's why they want to save money by building it into the ps4. (Aka Ps4 neo]

That current processing unit is not doing the computational effects needed for VR..its The PS4 itself..

And if it was not powerful the way sony wanted.. Than why release PSVR for exusting PS4 users?

They have been working on this since 2010..so right before PSVR is about to release. After they sold 40 million or close to it , Suddenly its now not powerful enough to run VR?

..why than

For over the past d@mn year has Sony used the current PS4 to show off games..Riggs a Multiplayer VR is being show with the current PS4..system playing and running fine?

I mean come on now ..people are acting like this PS4.5 is not a Rumor..its still a Rumor..does that mean its a confirmed release.?

[alwayzbusi1]

You're misunderstanding what I'm saying here. I never said ps4 can't do the computations required to run the vr games by itself. Of course it can, psvr was designed for the original ps4.

The part that's lost is that Sony wanted psvr to include a social screen. This is why they needed to put additional processing power into the external processing unit. The original ps4 cannot handle the social screen and headset at the same time by itself.

The neo combines the original ps4 and the vr processing unit to cut costs and simplify setup. If this is not the case then why both in October, why code name morpheus/neo.

I understand people are upset, but everyone will soon realize all ps4s will deliver the same experience.