Sony reportedly planning 4K support, improved GPU in ‘PlayStation 4.5’

Sony could release an upgraded version of the PS4 that features the ability to play games at a 4K resolution, if new reports are accurate.

Kotaku claims that multiple ‘developer sources’ have confirmed the existence of a new console iteration nicknamed the ‘PlayStation 4.5’ or ‘PS4K’.

Featuring a more powerful GPU, the 4K-enabled machine will not only be able to play games at the higher resolution, but will also look to universally improve the graphical fidelity of titles by taking advantage of visual effects offered by the hardware.

The current version of PS4 hardware features 4K output support, but only for photos and videos.

The sources added that the fresh technology would also allow PlayStation VR titles to edge closer to the appearance and performance of PC headset competitors such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, which require a graphics card at least equivalent to an Nvidia GTX 970.

One developer described the device as “exploratory”, with another source suggesting that a more expensive SKU of the console would allow Sony to counterbalance the falling RRP of the original PS4, which approaches its third birthday this year.

Sony responded to the report by stating: “We can’t comment on rumours or speculation."