Early last month, we heard news of a special Playstation event being held in New York on September 7. Now on the eve of that date, we here at The Outerhaven have certain expectations about what we’ll see at tomorrow’s big meeting. 2016 has already proven to be a big year for Playstation, so what more is there to see? Here’s what we think:
Jason Kwasnicki (@SolidKwas)
Ever since Microsoft made their declaration of 6 teraflops at E3 2016, gamers have expected Sony to retaliate and are waiting for the ensuing hardware arms race to begin with tomorrow’s presentation. However, I believe that the die was cast months, if not years ago. Manufacturing plans cannot be changed so radically in such a small amount of time. What I expect is nothing so different than what we heard about this past spring from GiantBomb and Kotaku: a boutique piece of hardware aimed at the hardcore crowd (not to mention those interested in the best VR experience possible). However, I do believe the purpose of this “meeting” will be larger than just presenting the Neo. While everyone seems so focused on hardware, I think the bigger news (and Sony’s focus) will be tying everything together, from their new PS Now initiative to the Neo and VR, and presenting an image of Playstation as one big platform. That is the true future of consoles, based not just on Sony but on what Microsoft and Nintendo appear to be doing as well.
Delaila Lugo (@ASSASSINA_SAN)
If there is one thing I expect from the PlayStation Meeting on September 7, it is hands down: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE “PS NEO”? AKA PS 4K? AKA PS 4.5? We don’t know much about this console except that it is going to be more powerful, but I expect that details on the specs will finally be revealed. I’m not technologically savvy enough to predict that it will have X amount of RAM, GPU, etc., but I would love to see side by side comparisons of the most visually impressive game on console, Uncharted 4, to be displayed in 4K. Sony tends to be bold, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a bundle for the “PS Neo” and Playstation VR is revealed, bundling the new console, VR headset, move controllers, a camera and PlayStation VR Worlds game, that will be significantly cheaper than purchasing those items separately for a release date coming this holiday season. There have been leaks about the PS4 Slim from other sources, and I am sure we will finally hear all of the details from Sony including the upgraded DualShock controller and perhaps a bundle, to be available for preorder that night and released in early October. I imagine they will announce a price for the PS VR, PS Neo, and PS Slim as bundles and standalones. I also expect to hear more information about the PS Plus price hike and what improvements are being made to honor that price.
Mark Sullivan (@nibelheimian)
Hardware, hardware, hardware. Surely that’s the focus of this meeting. While Microsoft split their focus during E3 2016 on both new hardware and software, Sony entirely talked games, much to some criticism for acknowledging Neo’s existence and subsequent absence from the show. It’s time to announce this new hardware, and prove to us why we, as Playstation diehards, need it. With this reveal, I’d expect to see a new game announcement or two, or at the very least several upcoming games on stage to display just what this new technical powerhouse has in store. It goes without saying that VR will also play a big role in validating this new console’s release. Continuing hardware talk, expect to finally see the PS4 Slim (AKA the current worst kept secret in the industry), boasting a discounted price. Hopefully, a lower price on the Slim and existing systems means the Neo won’t be dealing too much damage to our wallets either. Also, I would be utterly delighted if Vita was mentioned even once in any capacity (but I know that’s wishful thinking).
We’re all pretty much in agreement on hardware, and the folks at SonyCentric haven’t held back on these thoughts. What do you think will be announced? Anything more to add? Let us know! Tune in for the Playstation Meeting tomorrow, September 7 at 3PM EST to find out what’s new in the world of Playstation.
