PS4 Games.For several weeks, leaks keep coming and it now seems certain that a PlayStation 4 called "Neo" will be under the Christmas tree at the end of the year. This would be an improved version of the famous Sony console, intended not to replace his elder, but to offer the finest players the most demanding games. For the first time, a manufacturer decides to release a new machine when the previous is at its peak. Why indeed not to regular changes available to gamers rather than force them to use an aging technology for years?
Is the shortening of consoles lifecycle good or a bad thing? This is what we will try to determine in this article.Please note that no official announcement has yet been made by Sony, all information about the PlayStation 4 Neo mentioned here are to be taken lightly.
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| PS4 Neo for games |
The consoles are aging too fast
For many specialists of the video game developers as journalists, the previous generation of consoles has lasted too long. For eight years, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 have dominated the market, benefiting over time small improvements (slim version), as well as new accessories for varying the gaming experience (PlayStation Move, Kinect etc. ). For its part, Nintendo has exploded all sales records with its Wii, but over a shorter time period; this console being less technically, I do not hold account by evoking the famous "previous generation", although it has its place.
For it is under the hood lies the problem. The material does not progress, the gap between consoles and PC widening over the years. Just look for example the difference between the PC version and PS3 / X360 Grand Theft Auto V to be convinced.
By offering a true update its PlayStation 4 only 3 years after its release, Sony allows players to follow the latest technological developments, while reducing the technical lagging behind the computer. And never so much delay has accumulated in so little time.
When the new generation of consoles arrived in late 2013, many thought that the time of games in Full HD at 60 frames per second had finally come. While the Xbox 360 / PS3 already offering an HDMI output capable of displaying a 1080p resolution (1920 × 1080 pixels) on an HDTV, games worked mostly in 720p (1280 × 720). In addition, the refresh was limited to 30 FPS.
Unfortunately, it is clear that the new machines of the two manufacturers have not much changed that. While on paper, many games display a 1080p resolution, many use a dynamic adjustment system to lower the definition if the images are too detailed to maintain adequate levels of fluency. As for the 60 FPS, they are still not become the norm.
With the PlayStation 4 Neo, developers will have no trouble to produce games in constant 1080p, which is great news for players who have compatible television for almost ten years! The technical capabilities of this future console is much higher, it will be possible to realize ever more realistic games.
There is also another area where this change was essential: virtual reality. We know for several months that Sony will launch in the adventure by offering its own headset, PlayStation VR, which will be marketed to "only" € 399.
If this device is compatible with the current PlayStation 4, just look at the technical specifications required by competing devices on PC to make it likely to be struggling. Out a more powerful console was a way to break into this sector, and avoid relegating the PlayStation VR Cardboard for the rank of spoiled child.
The PlayStation 4 Neo seems to be an excellent initiative from the Japanese manufacturer. Yet the discontent rises As the rumor grows.
A stab in the back
The arrival of a new PlayStation 4 is no fun at all, it's the least we can say. Many people feel betrayed. Console gamers are indeed used to paying a relatively small fee (compared to a PC gamer) for a machine that will last several years. The fact of having to go to the fund every three years will therefore not particularly enchants, even if the upgrade is optional and that their old console is still supported. The pill is even more difficult to swallow for those who bought the PS4 recently.
According to the leaks, Sony reportedly plans to force publishers to develop games compatible with both versions of the console. The latter will provide a display mode "basic" standard for the PS4, and an improved method for the Neo Version; Furthermore, developers will have the opportunity to update their old games to offer an update optimized for the new console.
In fact, there could be more untoward effects of edges for players who do not wish to change hardware.
First, publishers will surely be tempted to develop their game by targeting the PS4 Neo priority in order to take full advantage (and one could not blame them).
The risk is that they do not consider it necessary to spend much time on the iconic version of "basic" promised to those who did not wish to plunge. The latter could then be a simple adaptation degraded, ugly and poorly optimized.
Then, it seems unlikely to me that the games already released on the PS4 Standard have a real upgrade for the PS4 Neo; Developers are not going to have fun redo all their game. At best, we will have a constant 1080p and filtering finer textures. Also keep in mind that they may choose to provide this update in the form of paid DLC (unless prohibited by Sony), which would surely make some teeth gnashing.
Finally, it is likely that multiplayer games are clamped on the new PlayStation 4, so as not to unbalance the line parts. Imagine what would happen if some participants were limited to 30 frames per second, while others take advantage of greater fluidity and a more precise rendering. The injustice would be apparent.
The other question posed by this evolution is the place of the console in the small world of video games. So far, PC gamers could enjoy better graphics, but were updating their computer often, to ensure maximum fluidity on not well optimized titles.
The console players, meanwhile, had the advantage of having a "frozen" machine on which the games were operating (normally) without a hitch, and where there was no need to waste time to install his games or put update its drivers.
Today, the gaming system has become indispensable console, and hardware updates such as PS4 Neo closer a little it of the computer, to the chagrin of many players. Worse, we even seem to see happen disadvantages of PC game without the benefits that are open system and the possibility of installing mods.
What to think of the end?
Personally, even if I find the Sony initiative clearly has its good sides, I find that this is an infringement of the same console concept. Historically, bracket consisted of a limited machine, the configuration was frozen, and on which the game designers had to compete ingenuity to exploit the materials at their disposal. This stimulates innovation and forced developers to optimize their titles. Moreover, this change could also spell the end of "generations" of consoles. These would be updated regularly, and it would be usual to renew more often, as exchange smartphone. On the one hand, it allows to follow the evolution of technology and enjoy more successful experiences. But on the other hand, one may wonder (as for any other product) on the merits of such an economic model. Replace his equipment often means giving lots of money to companies that quickly tend to be content with lazy developments when sales are there.
It is believed that this new iteration of the PS4 is a success for Sony, thanks to PlayStation VR which certainly motivated design. 800 € all inclusive, it should be possible to engage in quality games in virtual reality, where an investment of over € 2,000 is required on PC.