If recent reports are anything to by, Sony is all set to reveal an upgraded model of the PlayStation 4 sometime this year. The updated SKU, rumored to have the code name NEO, is expected to have significant amount of boost to GPU and memory. However, it will still keep the same Jaguar CPU configuration with only the clock speed getting a bump from 1.6Ghz to 2.1Ghz, which according to our technical expert does not really matter that much.
GamingBolt recently got in touch with Ratloop, who are working on Rocketbirds 2: Evolution (a PlayStation exclusive) and we asked them about their thoughts from a theoretical perspective about working on the PS4 NEO and whether they will be comfortable working on two different models of the same console and the possible implications behind following such a model.
“According to your information, we think the development cost will increase a little, but the testing costs will definitely double to test two systems. I’m not so sure I’d be happy (if this were true) – we developed Rocketbirds 2 for two platforms and it runs in stereoscopic 3D on the PS4, but the PS Vita clearly offers some added utility next to the PS4 for our customers, you can own both or either system and it would make sense to own our game on either, or both systems. Having two systems would just divide the market between those players owning the new PS4 and those players owning the old PS4, because it’s unlikely they’d want, or have the luxury to keep/use both systems.”
Two console SKUs can result into a number of concerns for players. Developers may aim for higher performance parameters for NEO and deliver sub-optimal performance on current base model PS4. The developer told us that such a scenario varies from developer to developer but the real problem is the CPU which may still be a bottleneck for games heavily dependent on it.
“That really depends on the developer and the games they are working on. CPU-bound games will still have a harder time achieving superior performance on the newer model.”
We will see how the NEO will pan out in the coming months. Stay tuned for our full interview with the Rocketbirds 2: Evolution developers in the coming days.