Sony planning more graphic-intense PlayStation ahead of VR release: Report
Sony is planning a new PlayStation for more graphic-intense games, according to the Wall Street Journal, ahead of the company's VR headset release in the second half of the year.
The console will be completely separate from the PlayStation 4 that has sold roughly 36 million units worldwide. The upgraded PlayStation's advanced graphics and power would still take advantage of similar software to the PlayStation 4, according to the report.
A new console this soon after the PlayStation 4 would be a big step for the video game industry, which is often stuck in five to seven year console cycles.
Kotaku previously reported the upgrade will bring high-end 4k resolution. The release is expected before the PlayStation VR headset in October for $399.
The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive use high-end PCs for power, giving Sony a reason to need an enhanced console. The PS4's price dropped from $400 to $350 in 2015. It's not clear if the new PlayStation will take the $400 spot or cost more.
The founder of the Oculus Rift, Palmer Luckey, discussed how important a smooth launch of the new VR headset is in an interview with Wired over the weekend. Luckey, considered a VR visionary, spends hours a day opening unopened Rifts envisioning himself as a new customer.
The Oculus Rift, set to be big competition for Sony, began shipping on Monday for $599.
We have reached out to Sony for comment.