It looks like Sony is prepping for the next generation in a big way, as PS4 dev kits are allegedly en route to developers.
According to a report from VG247, several sources have provided new details on Sony’s upcoming console, claiming that new versions of the Orbis dev kit are being sent out to studios now. Apparently there will be a total of four different versions making the rounds, with the first one being little more than a graphics card. The one going out now is a “modified PC” of sorts, with the third being far closer to final spec arriving in January. The fourth and final version will be made available to dev teams “next summer”.
US developers allegedly attended a “disclosure meeting” with Sony this week to learn more about Orbis—apparently that is what they are calling it, as mention of the “PlayStation 4” was nowhere to be found according to their source. The console is said to use a Blu-ray drive and the processor is based on AMD’s A10 APU series.
It doesn’t look like they’re ditching 3D either, as a major goal of the company with the Orbis is said to be able to run 1080p games in 3D “no problem”. According to their unnamed source, the dev kits have “either 8Gb or 16Gb of RAM. Deduce from that what you will.” In addition, hard drive space of 256GB is set “as standard” but there’s no word yet on whether it will be solid state or not.
Apparently Sony is aiming to create a console that is “very affordable” but “isn’t a slouch”. Certainly sounds reasonable enough, especially considering how disastrous the PS3 launch was with such a high price. The UI is allegedly getting a major overhaul as well, with an experience that is “as fluid as possible” being the main goal. Being able to purchase DLC mid-game was provided as an example.
No word on the controller, but considering how Sony has stuck with the same general design for the past 15 some-odd years, it’s hard to believe they’d drastically change it. Please, no boomerang! Again, we must emphasize that this has not been confirmed in any way by Sony, so we must treat it as pure speculation for the time being. Even still, it’s exciting to think about.
