Xbox One, PS4 Adding 4K Functionality

13 Jun, 2016 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Microsoft June 13 at E3 video game confab in Los Angeles unveiled a 40% smaller version of the Xbox One called Xbox One S (for slim).  The device, which features 4K Ultra HD functionality (including UHD BD) and 2TB of storage, will be available in August for $299.

The software behemoth also announced a forthcoming new Xbox console earmarked for 4K video and virtual reality. Called Project Scorpio, the device (at an undisclosed price) will launch for the 2017 winter holiday.

Scorpio appears to be a culmination of Microsoft’s partnership with VR headwear (Rift) manufacturer Oculus announced a year ago at E3.

Meanwhile, Sony Interactive Entertainment is developing a PlayStation 4 console with 4K Ultra HD functionality. The new device — dubbed “Neo” — will be marketed to gamers and video consumers with 4K televisions. Neo is expected carry a steeper price tag than the current $350 PS4.

The device will not be unveiled at E3. Andrew House, president of Sony Interactive, recently told the Financial Times Neo was still a work in progress.

“We want to ensure we have a full range of the best experiences on the new system that we can showcase in their entirety,” House said.

Sony is marketing Neo as complementary — not a replacement — to the PS4, the latter having sold more than 40 million units since launching in late 2013.

House said current PS4 games would be compatible with Neo, in addition to Sony’s upgraded virtual reality headset launching this year.

“All games will support the standard PS4 and we anticipate all or a very large majority of games will also support the high-end PS4.”

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