PS4 Neo news, rumours, specs and more: what we think we know about Sony's new console
PS4 is getting a baby brother. Or – a big brother? Look, let's untangle this together.
What is PS4 Neo? All about the latest PlayStation
Table of contents
How is the PS4 Neo different from the PS4?
PS4 Neo specs
Why should I buy a PS4 Neo, or upgrade from a PS4?
PS4 Neo release date: when does the new PlayStation come out?
PS4 Neo price: how much does it cost?
Where can I buy a PS4 Neo?
Which is the newest PlayStation?
PS4 Neo controller
Which PS4 to buy?
PS4 Neo news timeline
PS4 Neo – otherwise known as PS4K and PS4.5 – is a hardware revision of Sony's generation-leading PS4 console. Unlike Microsoft's rival Xbox One S, it has not yet been formally revealed to the world – but there have been enough leaks and hints that we have a pretty good idea of what we're in for, and Sony boss Andrew House has confirmed a high-end PS4 hardware revision is inbound.
In past generations Sony has released a hardware revision mid-generation with a new, slimmer form factor but largely the same innards, features and functions; it was just a different flavour of the same console. PS4 Neo is different. It's still a PS4, compatible with all your games – but you're getting bonuses not available on the original hardware.
How is the PS4 Neo different from the PS4?
Most of what we know about PS4 Neo comes from development documents received by Eurogamer's Digital Foundry and Giantbomb. Even if completely verified the information may well be out of date, so these details are subject to change.
With that in mind, the basic difference between the PS4 Neo and the PS4 is power. The PS4 Neo has faster CPU and RAM, and significantly more graphics processing power – see the specs section below.
This power boost grants the PS4 Neo the ability to output games in native 4K resolution (4096×2160 pixels), and upscale games without 4K support. It will presumably also have 4K video support. The current PS4 can output games in HD (1920×1080) and some photos and videos in 4K.
Despite the power discrepancy between the two hardware revisions, the PS4 Neo is not a new console generation: PS4 and PS4 Neo will share a library of games, and Sony is not planning on any PS4 Neo exclusives.
Players will be able to share save data between the two hardware variations; if you own a PS4 and a PS4 Neo, you can switch seamlessly between them, bringing your PSN ID and all data with you, and there'll be no split in online user base.
Instead, developers will use the extra power to provide a “Neo Mode”, or Neo-exclusive features, for PS4 games released after the PS4 Neo launches. Multiple reports suggest Sony will insist all PS4 games ship with a Neo Mode.
PS4 Neo Mode has a mandatory minimum resolution of 1920×1080 but its other features will vary from game to game: high frame rates and stable frame rates are frequently mentioned, but there's also talk of enhanced graphical features.
Developers can also optionally choose to draw on the PS4 Neo's extra power to provide other features – 4K support, or splitscreen mode, perhaps.
PS4 Neo specs
Again, although these details are subject to change, at present the PS4 Neo is believed to boast the following tech specs:
PS4 Neo
CPU: eight Jaguar cores clocked at 2.1 GHz
GPU: 36 unknown GCN compute units at 911 MHz
RAM: 8 GB GDDR5 at 218 GB/s
Compare and contrast with the PS4's system specs:
PS4
CPU: eight Jaguar cores clocked at 1.6 GHz
GPU: 18 Radeon GCN compute units at 800 MHz
RAM: 8GB GDDR5 at 176GB/s
As you can see, apart from the jump in GCN compute units, it's not so much that the PS4 Neo's innards are hugely different – just that they're faster, more powerful components.
Why should I buy a PS4 Neo, or upgrade from a PS4?
If you're happy with your current PS4 experience, there seems little reason to upgrade to a PS4 Neo. The PS4 is (by a small margin) the most powerful console on the market today and its commercial success is demonstrative of its appeal.
If, however, you're sick of lower frame rates than your PC pals are enjoying, and you'd like to make better use of a 4K display, a PS4 Neo may be just the thing for you.
If you're tossing up whether to pick up your first PS4 and are worried about redundancy, remember that all games and peripherals for the PS4 are forwards compatible, and there will be no exclusive PS4 Neo software; anything you buy now will be usable if you eventually decide to upgrade. On he other hand, if you've waited this long…
PS4 Neo release date: when does the new PlayStation come out?
PS4 Neo may release as early as October 2016. Development sources from March and April 2016 suggested the first batch of PS4 software with Neo Mode would begin rolling out in October.
October is also when the PlayStation VR releases. Two hardware launches in one month seems a bit much, but some have speculated PS4 Neo is designed as a companion to the VR headset – allowing for better virtual reality experiences through its added power.
We're on the fence on this one. Wait for another leak or the official announcement – possibly at gamescom or Paris Games Week.
PS4 Neo price: how much does it cost?
We know PS4 Neo will be more expensive than the PS4, which currently retails for $350/€350/£300. We expect it to be more expensive than Xbox One S, but cheaper than Xbox Scorpio.
Where can I buy a PS4 Neo?
Nowhere yet – but it's likely all major games retailers will carry it at launch.
Which is the newest PlayStation?
As of publication in June 2016, the PS4 is the newest PlayStation console.
A new PlayStation console, the PS4 Neo has not been dated. It may be months away.
As of October 2016, the PlayStation VR will be the newest PlayStation hardware – but requires a PS4 or PS4 Neo to use.
PS4 Neo controller
The PS4 Neo uses the existing Dual Shock 4 controller; no need to buy any fancy new peripherals.
Which PS4 to buy?
At present, the PS4 is the only hardware version available for sale. It currently comes in two varieties with 500 GB or 1 TB storage.
PS4 Neo news timeline
We will update this information hub as new PS4 Neo information comes to light, but in the meantime your best bet for a complete picture is to browse the news archive:
March 2016
Sony's PS4 Neo breaks cover in GDC chatter, backed up by developer and financial sources.
Sony working on “PS4.5″ with an upgraded GPU and 4K support – rumor
PlayStation 4k is real, Sony R&D labs working with prototypes now – report
New PS4 to be announced before PlayStation VR launch in October – report
April and May 2016
Codename “Neo” surfaces via massive leaks, while AMD and distributors chime in to corrorborate.
“PS4.5″ codenamed NEO, boasts upgraded CPU and RAM – report
PS4 NEO, Nintendo NX and Xbox upgrade AMD rumours looking hotter than ever
Sony's PS4 NEO to be released before the end of September – report
June 2016
The cat is officially allowed out of the bag as Sony admits PS4 Neo exists – but won't talk about it.
Sony confirms PlayStation 4K, but it won't be at E3 2016
Sony explains why the PlayStation Neo isn't at E3
Today's PlayStation 4 will still offer “a first class VR experience”
Sony's Andrew House “surprised” at E3 Scorpio announcement
PlayStation Neo to launch this year – report
Sony says PlayStation Neo won't shorten PS4 life cycle
EA, Ubisoft, and Take-Two are very positive about PS4 Neo and Xbox One Scorpio
