Sony is widely expected to officially announce the PlayStation Neo console at an event in New York next month. Along with that, it is also believed to be releasing a slimmed-down PlayStation 4. Now, GameStop, which is among the biggest players in gaming, has also said that the wait will be over next month.
Earnings guidance includes PlayStation Neo sales
On Thursday on the earnings call, a GameStop executive spoke about the PlayStation Neo and said that only after September 7 will they know more. The executive was referring to the PlayStation event scheduled for that day. The executive also confirmed that the company has already taken Neo sales into consideration for its earnings guidance, but only in the “light form” as Sony hasn’t officially announced the system as yet.
The PlayStation Neo is expected to cost more than previous PS consoles. Sony has said that the Neo should be thought of as a higher-end model that features virtual reality support and boasts increased horsepower.
The PlayStation Neo will supposedly be a powerful version of the existing PS4, and the hardware upgrade should make it possible for Sony’s machine to offer full 1080p gaming with 60 frames per second. It could also offer support for 4K content and HDR relay. Most of the speculations and features are just rumors, and nothing can be said for sure until there is an official announcement.
Hardware launch soon
Earlier this week, a leaked image popped up showing what looks like a slimmed-down PlayStation 4. Apparently the system was bought online before the official launch by someone who is showing off the console and its updated DualShock 4 controller, states GameStop. The hardware is the same but packaged in a different slimmer and more compact exterior chassis. On the top of the controller, there is a thin LED light that makes it easy for a player to identify their position when playing with friends in the same room.
Sony has yet to confirm it is making a smaller PS4. There is no information available regarding the launch dates and prices of the slimmed-down PS4 and Neo. Rumors suggest that Sony will launch a new PlayStation system this year, and if someone has already bought one, it could soon hit the markets. GameStop management also said during the call that people from Sony made several visits to their office in recent weeks, suggesting a new hardware launch soon.
“We welcome any form of innovation and we think that the Xbox One S and whatever it is that Sony’s going to talk about, as well as Nintendo and the PS VR, are all going to be opportunities for us to provide great value for our customers,” GameStop said during the earnings call.
GameStop has enjoyed a significant market share for new system debuts, and the launch of new consoles would definitely be good news for it. Rumors of more powerful upcoming systems have negatively affected new hardware sales at GameStop as people are holding out on buying systems.
