Console upgrade rumours.

Asuryan11 · April 2016

Polygon is a videogame news source, not sure if I am able to post a link here, I don't comment often. So anyways. I have a high end gaming PC,(over $6000) specs: I76700, 32gb RAM, GTX Titan X, and so forth. Back to why I am bringing this up. I play ESO on my Xbox one now, I moved over to play with friends and family. I do enjoy the experience a lot more in my opinion.

Console gamers what are your thoughts on the rumoured console upgrades so soon in the life cycle? Will you upgrade right away? Personally I probably will, as long as games such as ESO are still supported. But will Zenimax be able to do this? As the article says. You will still be able to play with "regular" console gamers with the added feature of being able to boost graphics and so forth. Would ZOS support this feature and allow increased graphics for those that upgrade, or keep everyone on the same playing field as it could be to much work? Would that leave others with an unfair advantage with increased hardware? What are your thoughts on this. Keep it civil, fanboy free, and I am still awaiting on when Microsoft/Sony release official news on these rumours and speculations.

http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/18/11456634/ps4-neo-upgrade-hardware-specs-playstation-4-report

Bizzquik · April 2016

I would absolutely buy a new Xbox One from Microsoft if the console offered improved performance without splitting up its userbase. This insistence by Sony that on all PS4 games play on both versions of the system is commendable, if this article from Giant Bomb is to be believed.

If Phil Spencer releases a new Xbox One, and ZOS offers an improved ESO - I would be giddy.

Competitive balance is key, though. If an upgrade-friendly ESO allowed for 60fps on improved PS4s/Xboxs....would that be fair in Cyrodill...?

LordSidious · April 2016

I'm always very hesitant about hardware updates to consoles without a next generation release. I've been on Xbox for the last 12ish years and the big improvements come when a new generation is released. The Xbox 360 is kind of the unique one, but that's only because Microsoft was facing a hurricane surrounding all of the issues with the Red Ring of Death. If they didn't address the hardware concerns on that particular issue I don't know if we would be talking about Xbox One today.

The 360 and PS4 had unusually long lifecycles for consoles too so I'll be interested to see how the current generation ends up. My guess is we'll see a new console announced in 2018 unless extended lifecycles of 7+ years are the norm now.

As far as me personally upgrading, I won't at first. I'll wait to see if they're going to continue to update hardware every __ amount of years and get on a 2-3 year upgrade cycle for myself. It's interesting to see this being talked about since consoles are always behind in the graphics/performance department. This won't get us near PC players of course, it's impossible to keep up being on a console, but it should be an interesting time for console players if it happens.

Tommy1979AtWar · April 2016

I'll be interested to see what developers do with it if true but with regards to zos implementing it, it wouldn't make sense for them to support this for eso, I doubt they have the knowledge to do so, the game is too outdated and they can barely keep it running as it is so overhauling the whole game I would imagine to be completely out of their league.

If Bethesda are developing a single player ES6 though it'll be pretty cool to see what those guys can do with it, those guys know their stuff.

Ni7eWa7ch · April 2016

Sounds interesting , i'd wait to see how many titles adapt this plus functionality and how they'll fare

ps4 user

Bizzquik · April 2016

Ni7eWa7ch wrote: »

Sounds interesting , i'd wait to see how many titles adapt this plus functionality and how they'll fare

ps4 user

The Giant Bomb article I linked to above says that games released on PS4 from October 2016 onward must be optimized for both PS4 iterations. Not sure how this would impact ESO, though, as titles launched prior to the new version's launch are not required to release a patch.

Eshelmen · April 2016

The only viable upgrade they'll actually do is make the PS4 able to stream 4k(YouTube and Netflix 4k capable). They wouldn't dare invest money on new hardware so soon, to make a PS4 2.0 and split their player base up by beefing up its hardware completely.

The current GPU in the PS4 is capable of outputting 4k media, but it's max res is locked @ 1080p. This is all they would be doing for major hardware/software updates. Adding HDMI 2.0.

Maybe a few additions to it's cooling system and change the way it looks,like a ps4 slim or something. But that's about it.

No graphical power increase, no upgrade on its memory. Theyll keep all the hardware the same and just tweak it a bit at best to stay up to date with this whole 4k jargen going on.

Ps4 game graphics will stay the same and so will in game resolution.

Bossdonut · April 2016

Console upgrades are like they were in the past. Resolution upgrades for more advanced TVs and larger stock HDDs.

They will NOT improve performance beyond the original specs, smoother fps yes, hardware beyond HDD no.

I got the reach edition 360 250gb version. It had minimal performance over previous versions and I credit that only to the faster HDD.

I do not stream or watch anything in 4k since I play on my old Asus monitor back when 1080 was the dopest *** anyone ever seen. son.

Long story short games will be built around console optimization forever, and it will take devs years to find out and truly push the consoles power, which will drop us to 30 fps at the end of the life cycle.

All of this could be avoided though if they BOTH didn't go with pinche AMD.

But it could furthermore be avoided if I just shelled out 1000 and build a pc that can be upgraded and run ALL current games at 120 fps, which this 6 year old monitor is actually capable of.

TLDR; I'm mad my ps4 came with 500 gb.

Mickey_Ox · April 2016

Personaly i won't be upgrading(PS4), if i wanted to be upgrading my rig every 2-3 years I'd have bought a gaming pc. One of the reasons I bought into consoles was the 7+ years id be getting with no hardware updates required. If this is infact true my next rig will be a pc. My PS4 isn't even 2years old

andreasv · April 2016

There were a few rumors about console upgrades recently, but only solid ones in regards to the PS4. Which makes sense as Sony also prepares for the VR headset, and I can't see the current version being able to make VR a pleasant experience.

I think Phil Spencer, however, recently said that there won't be a new XBox soon. I'm pretty sure that when there's a new XBox it will only be a slimmer version with similar specs. After all, how do they want to get more power into the current shape and avoid another overheating disaster. That fan on top of the box is huge and needs to remain huge. It's considerably more quiet than the PS4, which I personally like a lot.

In regards to ESO, I doubt this will mean any changes or difference to the experience on consoles.

CherryCake · April 2016

I always ended up upgrading my console, however I am not one of the people that run to the store as soon as the console is on the market, and see no reason to do so; there are still games for my old console, I am still having fun, and in case with ESO for example, I think its safe to say they will keep it for the older consoles as well as two more generations ahead. (It would be a bit stupid not to).
However more often than not, there are games that do not upgrade for more than two generations of consoles which I completely hate, BUT you can always get a new console for the newest games AND keep your older console to play ESO, simply plug the different cables.

If you enjoyed the "console" experience than I suggest you look into "steam machines" such as this one: http://www.alienware.com/Landings/steammachine/ however there are plenty more online, and I dont know if any newly made game will exist for this console or you have to upgrade the console as always.

DRXHarbinger · April 2016

XB has only just launched the elite. That needs to run for few years at least. That said elite console gives instant wayshrining etc already.

Eshelmen · April 2016

XB is more in need of upping its game than PS4. PS4 as it is, has outsold the X1 by atleast double. Sony doesn't NEED to upgrade its power.
Project Morpheus has been in R&D for years and is fully compatible with the PS4. No reason to upgrade something that isn't near broken.

Unfortunately with all computer devices, they start becoming obsolete, the second they get released. The PS4 and X1 have been using obsolete hardware since they came out(compared to current released PC hardware). But their sales and player base is as strong as ever. Having state of the art graphics is clearly not the top priority for their users. Software availability is where the interest is and will always be peaked, at least for the current gen.

HDMI 2.0 update, cooling update and maybe a slimmer profile. That's it.

NewBlacksmurf · April 2016

I'd upgrade my Xbox one in a heartbeat even if it's just the system and no games are updated because a smoother experience with no freezing or crashing is going to be good.

I assume the upgrades are all backwards compatible so it's no diff than a phone, tablet or PC upgrade but a implied than a PC. This is what consoles should have done last generation.

andreasv · April 2016

NewBlacksmurf wrote: »

I'd upgrade my Xbox one in a heartbeat even if it's just the system and no games are updated because a smoother experience with no freezing or crashing is going to be good. ...

Where exactly are you freezing, ie. any specific games or apps? I've only had 1-2 crashes with my X1, and enjoy the console since day one.
I have more crashes with my PS4, but only with ESO and in a party / group.

ArchMikem · April 2016

Asuryan11 wrote: »

Polygon is a videogame news source, not sure if I am able to post a link here, I don't comment often. So anyways. I have a high end gaming PC,(over $6000) specs: I76700, 32gb RAM, GTX Titan X, and so forth.

DRXHarbinger · April 2016

andreasv wrote: »

NewBlacksmurf wrote: »

I'd upgrade my Xbox one in a heartbeat even if it's just the system and no games are updated because a smoother experience with no freezing or crashing is going to be good. ...

Where exactly are you freezing, ie. any specific games or apps? I've only had 1-2 crashes with my X1, and enjoy the console since day one.
I have more crashes with my PS4, but only with ESO and in a party / group.

Xbox for me always (99%) of the time crashes on round 7 vma, either in thr loading screen or as soon as the fight starts, and COA vet at the part when you fight the first flame colossus and the adds keep coming. Someone in party always gets dashboarded there.

andreasv · April 2016

DRXHarbinger wrote: »

andreasv wrote: »

NewBlacksmurf wrote: »

I'd upgrade my Xbox one in a heartbeat even if it's just the system and no games are updated because a smoother experience with no freezing or crashing is going to be good. ...

Where exactly are you freezing, ie. any specific games or apps? I've only had 1-2 crashes with my X1, and enjoy the console since day one.
I have more crashes with my PS4, but only with ESO and in a party / group.

Xbox for me always (99%) of the time crashes on round 7 vma, either in thr loading screen or as soon as the fight starts, and COA vet at the part when you fight the first flame colossus and the adds keep coming. Someone in party always gets dashboarded there.

But is your Xbox crashing with other games as often as it does with ESO? I only played ESO on Xbox for a short while. On PS4, however, it's the only game that has crashes for me. I can have other 2-3 hour sessions with any game without any issue. And on Xbox the same, no crash; whether it's games or apps (mostly Amazon, Netflix, or Twitch for a couple of hours).

What I'm getting at is, it's probably not Microsoft's fault but rather ESO.

Eshelmen · April 2016

This^
With out a doubt it's ESO and not the console itself.

Being hard wired to my router,ESO lags more than any multiplayer game I have/had(combined) while I was connected through the Wi-Fi.

Final Fantasy A realm reborn was the previous MMO I stopped before playing this. Back when I was playing FFXIV early last year, my Ps4 was connected via Wi-Fi. I disconnected maybe once in that game. Hundreds and hundreds of hours worth with out disconnection.

Playing ESO with a hardwired connection?(Not via Wi-Fi)- Every day is a(n) blue screen/game freeze, disconnected from server and massive amounts of lag spikes.

Asuryan11 · April 2016

Here is some information on the Xbox one side of things.

"NeoGAF member ekim discovered several filings with the Federal Communications Commission recently that show Microsoft is testing a new Xbox One wireless chip with a new model number. The FCC approves devices like the Xbox One, and it has often revealed new phones ahead of their launch"

http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/19/11457546/xbox-one-hardware-upgrade-rumors

Korah_Eaglecry · April 2016

From what Ive read the NEO PS4 wont separate the playerbase. Future games will have a base version for the original PS4 and be NEO Capable. Any game thats been released prior to the NEO will have the option to patch an update to their games to make them capable of running at NEOs specs.

DRXHarbinger · April 2016

andreasv wrote: »

DRXHarbinger wrote: »

andreasv wrote: »

NewBlacksmurf wrote: »

I'd upgrade my Xbox one in a heartbeat even if it's just the system and no games are updated because a smoother experience with no freezing or crashing is going to be good. ...

Where exactly are you freezing, ie. any specific games or apps? I've only had 1-2 crashes with my X1, and enjoy the console since day one.
I have more crashes with my PS4, but only with ESO and in a party / group.

Xbox for me always (99%) of the time crashes on round 7 vma, either in thr loading screen or as soon as the fight starts, and COA vet at the part when you fight the first flame colossus and the adds keep coming. Someone in party always gets dashboarded there.

But is your Xbox crashing with other games as often as it does with ESO? I only played ESO on Xbox for a short while. On PS4, however, it's the only game that has crashes for me. I can have other 2-3 hour sessions with any game without any issue. And on Xbox the same, no crash; whether it's games or apps (mostly Amazon, Netflix, or Twitch for a couple of hours).

What I'm getting at is, it's probably not Microsoft's fault but rather ESO.

Gta5 was a right pig. Battlefield 4 was intermittent. But the console is just poor. It's evident just looking at how much time it takes to get into a party and all that crap. The console in general is slower than the 360 at even the most basic of features.

Takes-No-Prisoner · April 2016

Need more information TBH. I don't have a 4K TV...so even if PS4K does come with that. It is of little interest to me. However the newer hardware inside might tempt me.

RedRoomGaming · April 2016

I shelled out 450 for my ps4. This is way way to early for this upgrade. No way in hell will I updated because it's a basic cop out and for the current gen because everything can run on it.

Uriel_Nocturne · April 2016

RedRoomGaming wrote: »

I shelled out 450 for my ps4. This is way way to early for this upgrade. No way in hell will I updated because it's a basic cop out and for the current gen because everything can run on it.

Agreed.

I paid the $500 for an Xbox One on release day. Since then, I've added two more One's to our house for my wife and son (so we can all adventure together.

But we're only now approaching Y3 of this current console generation. It is much, much too early to be talking about upgrading to a new console.

But as other people have said, the changes are going to be very minimal. A bit larger HDD, maybe a bit better optimization for processing (which makes me doubt Sony's claim that the new PS4 will be "significantly faster" than the current model; are they trying to split their consumer base!?), and the full ability to run 4K 'whatever' content.

Hell, Microsoft said not long ago that the One may be their "last" console. They have designs in the works for an Xbox One that would be able to be upgraded like you can with a PC. It's part of their efforts to reunite the disparate gaming platforms into one community/experience (which ties nicely into their cross-play moves recently). So we can see by the math, what Microsoft is doing.

But to bring a full console "upgrade" out when neither system is even three years old? Much too soon IMO.

bloodenragedb14_ESO · April 2016

meh, ill honestly wait until its absolutely necessary to upgrade, most of the games that need the upgrade anyway i play on pc, so it shouldn't effect me overly much

Nestor · April 2016

Since consoles are effectively embedded X86 PCs now, it makes sense that they could upgrade the parts inside and maintain compatibility.

The question becomes, do you need the upgrades for the games you play? Not all games would need or benefit from this.

Khaos_Bane · April 2016

I will never buy a console again. The PC is better in every single way.

Takes-No-Prisoner · April 2016

Nestor wrote: »

The question becomes, do you need the upgrades for the games you play? Not all games would need or benefit from this.

This article might have some answers to that question. Have not found anything about XB1 yet though.

IcyDeadPeople · April 2016

Eshelmen wrote: »

The only viable upgrade they'll actually do is make the PS4 able to stream 4k(YouTube and Netflix 4k capable). They wouldn't dare invest money on new hardware so soon, to make a PS4 2.0 and split their player base up by beefing up its hardware completely.

The current GPU in the PS4 is capable of outputting 4k media, but it's max res is locked @ 1080p. This is all they would be doing for major hardware/software updates. Adding HDMI 2.0.

Maybe a few additions to it's cooling system and change the way it looks,like a ps4 slim or something. But that's about it.

No graphical power increase, no upgrade on its memory. Theyll keep all the hardware the same and just tweak it a bit at best to stay up to date with this whole 4k jargen going on.

Ps4 game graphics will stay the same and so will in game resolution.

Giant Bomb claims there is an new Playstation in the works with Polaris GPU and around double the stream processors

Lenikus · April 2016

So.... inb4 pc master race posts ?