The resolution of televisions and monitors is constantly rising. Currently NHK and a consortium of electronics companies are developing Ultra High Definition, a format with four to eight times the resolution of current HD television.
And the next PlayStation is rumored to be part of Sony's larger push.
If true this would hardly be surprising. Sony has often used the PlayStation to push other technologies at the same time. The success of the PlayStation 2 helped promote DVD as the next change in media. And the PlayStation 3 was built around the Blu-Ray drive as part of an attempt to win a format war… an effort that largely succeeded.
As for 4K, Sony is introducing an 80-inch set that supports the format and supposedly will be using the PS4 to promote it as part of a set.
Our Take: It seems likely that this is true: Sony would obviously like to sell more television sets.
It also seems likely that 4K will simply be an option available, especially since honestly it's unlikely the format will go very far for decades. It will make for some gorgeous booth displays and even better eSports.
But beyond that we're not really sure if this is for gamers. Sony certainly sees the PlayStation as a "living-room box" with far more than just games available for it. Still, we find it unlikely in an era of Netflix streaming and tight budgets that 4K games in of themselves will get any traction: Sony's flagship 4K set will cost a cool $30,000.
That said, we can't wait to see those tech demos.
Do you want 4K games? Or do you think Sony is asking a little much from your wallet?
BGR: Sony's PlayStation 4 to Support 4K