Sony has invited journalists to a press conference on September 7 in New York City, where it is very likely to unveil the PlayStation 4 "Neo". The digital invitations were sent one day after Internet rumors claimed that the Japanese gaming giant was locking in the date for the PS4 event. Sony confirmed in a June interview that a "PS4.5" updated version of the game console was in the works.
The Tokyo-based company has only officially stated it will share some details about its PlayStation business at the event.
Andrew House is president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. He mentioned the updated version of PS4 in a pre-Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) interview.
Sony did not show or mention the game system at the annual gaming trade show. However, the story verified that Neo would include Ultra High Definition (UHD) 4K graphics and work with the original PS4, according to CNET.
In other words, the new console would be PS4.5. It will include more processing power, and improved graphics of current PS4 titles. Neo will also have compatibility with the game library of both PS4 models.
PlayStation fans are hoping that the updated PS4 will also work smoothly with the PlayStation VR headset that hits the retail market on October 13. VR bundles might also be available.
The September 7 event will be a few days after the United States Labor Day. It could help to catapult Sony's sales before the holiday shopping season.
The timing of Sony's announcement for the September event was a week after the launch of Microsoft's slim Xbox One S (2TB version) on August 2. It provides 4K resolution video and UHD Blu-Ray compatibility, but no big boost to gaming graphics.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has shared that its Project Scorpio console will include 4K gaming and VR functionality. It is set for a late 2017 release, while PlayStation 5 could also be released next year.
Sony's PlayStation event is set for 3:00 p.m. ET. It will happen at the PlayStation Theater in the Manhattan district of New York City.
In related news, Nintendo's NES Classic Edition console has a retro feature that re-creates the experience of playing video games on CRT televisions. The mini console will also get a pixel perfect mode that features square pixels, according to Mirror.
Nintendo's mini console includes 30 built-in games. They include "Super Mario Bros.", "The Legend of Zelda", and "Donkey Kong". The mini NES will launch on November 11 in North America and Europe.
Here are some PS4 Neo rumors: