Research into frame generation could help keep costs down, which have been skyrocketing.
Due to the sharp rise in component prices, the cost of gaming hardware is also increasing, whether for systems already on the market or the soon-to-be-released Steam Machine. This presents numerous challenges for Sony with the PlayStation 6. In addition to making the device an attractive upgrade for existing PlayStation 5 users, Sony must keep manufacturing costs as low as possible. According to the latest leak from MLID, a central element of this strategy is AI-driven frame generation through ongoing research into virtual frame interpolation, or VFI.
In the latest episode of the Broken Silicon podcast, the leaker, who has proven reliable in recent years regarding PlayStation leaks, revealed information about the main topics discussed by Sony during an internal hardware meeting. There, the company outlined its next-generation strategy. The consoles are subject to cost constraints. The machine learning and artificial intelligence required for the consoles and low-end discrete graphics processors, or dGPUs, are needed to implement super resolution, or SR, and virtual frame interpolation, or VFI. The strategy also includes low power consumption due to potential efficiency risks arising from upcoming EU regulations.
The first and second points are particularly interesting because, according to the leaker, they outline Sony’s strategy for the PlayStation 6. Regarding things like AI, ray tracing, and PSSR, or PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, they aim to provide users with a 4K, 120 FPS experience. Only then will they reduce costs. A 4K 120 FPS console would significantly incentivize users to upgrade, especially if the retail price is kept low. However, given the high launch price of the Steam Machine, it remains to be seen how much Sony will be able to achieve this, even with significant ecosystem support, something Valve clearly did not rely on.
Tom, the host of Moore’s Law Is Dead, and his guest, MysticRyan, discussed other ways Sony could make the PlayStation 6 an appealing upgrade. While the new console’s user interface is all but certain, the most interesting software innovations would be the use of AI and advanced voice recognition. These features could run locally on the system because it would have more than enough RAM. However, the two interviewees also discussed the possibility that these features could be cloud-based and only available with a premium PlayStation Plus subscription. This aligns with the company’s plan to increase profits from its subscription service by boosting user engagement and improving its offerings, thereby steering users toward more expensive packages, PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium.
Although price increases may dampen enthusiasm for next-gen consoles, the PlayStation 6 could be Sony’s most exciting console yet. Since reports indicate that the release window remains unchanged for November 2027, we won’t have to wait long to find out how Sony plans to convince gamers to upgrade.
Source: WCCFTech
