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The current generation of games consoles consists of the Microsoft Xbox 360 (launched November 2005), the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii (both launched November 2006). Whilst the Wii offers a more basic specification than its rivals, the Xbox and PS3 are both at the cutting edge of games console technology. Out of the two the PS3 is regarded as the most technologically advanced, but what can we look forward to with its successor? Expected around 2011 and most likely called the PlayStation 4, what can we anticipate in terms of technical advancements compared to the current generation console? In a previous article we dealt with the main processor and the main memory specifications. In this article we’ll cover the graphics processor and integrated hard drive. The optical media drive, control and connectivity features will be covered in a subsequent article.

First we turn to the graphics processor. As with the main processor, the PS3′s NVIDIA RSX ‘Reality Synthesizer’ graphics chip is more than capable of handling current requirements. Seeing that the current processor is based on NVIDIA’s 7800 PC graphics card I would expect the PS4′s graphics processor to be based on the companies line up at the time of development, thus giving an increase in performance over its predecessor but with a minimal development budget. The DDR3 RAM memory used at present is still considered a high-end product in the PC world and as a result I would expect this to either remain or be replaced by XDR type memory as used in the main Cell Processor. Whichever type of memory is used I would expect an increase in total capacity to at least 512MB and possibly 1GB as this is becoming a standard amount amongst high end graphics cards. This philosophy falls neatly in line with that of the Cell Processor in developing existing technology.

With regards to a replacement for the current consoles integrated hard drive, I would expect the PS4 to employ a solid state drive for its storage, with its capacity exceeding the current maximum 160GB so far seen in the PS3. This extra capacity would reflect the increasing demand for high-definition and downloadable content and the additional storage space that this dictates. Solid state drives are at the moment fairly expensive but have seen a steady rise in their use in the domestic personal computer market. A 250GB solid state drive retails for around £520 (or $700) at the moment but as with all things technology related I would expect their capacity to increase and the price to drop at a fast rate as the technology becomes more popular and production can benefit from economies of scale and research and development costs are re-paid. By the time of the PS4′s launch in two-to-three years time the technology should be available at a reasonable price for inclusion in the new machine. A solid state drive also has no moving in parts like a conventional hard drive, the mechanical parts of which operate in quite an extreme environment. This means a much higher level of reliability for both the user and Sony with a cost benefit in terms of lower numbers of warranty claims for hard drive failures.

That concludes our look at the next two elements of the future PS4 games console. Look out for the final article dealing with the future of the PS3′s optical media drive, control system and connectivity features.

Classic Game Room HD – GRAN TURISMO 5 PROLOGUE review Part 1

MLB Slugfest 20-04 $21.90 This is the game MLB SlugFest 2004 for the Playstation 2. This game may not come with the original case and instructions. We stand by our products and offer a 60 day guarantee. If a game does not work within 60 days from the time you receive it we will gladly exchange it for you....

VGA Adapter to TV S-Video RCA Out Cable for PC Video $0.01 This VGA Adapter to TV S-Video RCA Out Cable allows video output from your PC/laptop computer to any TV with S-Video or RCA video input. Note: Your VGA card must support TV out directly through VGA port function. Please consult with your VGA card's user manual for more information....

Dell STUDIO XPS 8300 X8300-196NBK Desktop (Piano Black) $738.48 Enjoy a premium performance experience for some of your most demanding multimedia and entertainment needs with the Dell XPS 8300 desktop PC. With an angled chassis and sleek black and white design, the XPS 8300 has a cutting-edge style to match its screaming multimedia performance. Powerful processor and high-performance entertainment features. The integrated 7.1 with THX TruStudio PC sound...

NVIDIA 3D Vision Glasses Kit w/StarcCraft II $199.00 NVIDIA 3D VISION US PROMO EDITION (STARCRAFT II),NVIDIA GEFORCE 3D STEREO GLASSE...

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim $47.69 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is the next installment in the award-winning Elder Scrolls series. Skyrim is the follow up to the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and the next game from Bethesda Game Studios, creators of the 2008 Game of the Year, Fallout 3....

Mass Effect 3 $29.80 Earth is burning. Striking from beyond known space, a race of terrifying machines have begun their destruction of the human race. As Commander Shepard, an Alliance Marine, your only hope for saving mankind is to rally the civilizations of the galaxy and launch one final mission to take back the Earth....

Sid Meier's Civilization V $16.36 Sid Meier's Civilization V is the fifth offering in the multi-award winning Civilization turn-based PC strategy game series. As with earlier installments in the series, Civilization V features the famous "just one more turn" addictive gameplay that has made it one of the greatest game series of all time. In addition to this it also features improved diplomacy, unprecedented modding tools and func...

Halo Reach $17.55 Every legend has abeginning.Product InformationHalo: Reach takes you to the heart of the UNSC's military also thehome of the iconic Spartan super soldiers.  For decadeshumanity has fled from the relentless Covenant threat but now thelargest Covenant fleet ever witnessed looms in the darkened skies overReach.  Noble Team equipped with a deadly arsenal of hightech weaponry and abilities an...

Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 $24.66 Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 PS3...

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim $44.50 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is the next installment in the award-winning Elder Scrolls series. Skyrim is the follow up to the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and the next game from Bethesda Game Studios, creators of the 2008 Game of the Year, Fallout 3....

Monopoly Game $14.99 Monopoly! You loved it as a kid, now share it with a whole new generation! Fun for the whole family! Everybody remembers the Monopoly game - that's why it's still the most popular, most widely played, and best-selling board game in the world! Across the generations and around the globe, what other game brings back so many memories of wheeling-and-dealing family fun? No other game has turned so many gameplaying moments into memories! Whether you're discovering the fun for the first time or reliving the carefree days of youth, get out there and Buy! Sell! Mortgage! Build houses and hotels! And collect those rents! That's what makes Monopoly the great American game - just ask Mr. Monopoly!

Clue Nostalgia Tin Board Game $21.99 The classic and original Clue Board Game! Discover the culprit behind the gruesome murder! Best for those who are analytical at heart It's the classic Clue Board Game with vintage design and look, and it even comes in an awesome decorative Nostalgia tin box! It's just like the Clue Board Game that you remember as a kid and even has graphics inspired by the original 1963 edition game! Have yourself some fun inquiring as a detective and discovering the culprit behind the murder with this sweet Clue Nostalgia Tin Board Game!

Sorry! Nostalgia Tin Board Game $21.99 The classic and original Sorry! Board Game! Kick competitors back to the beginning! Best for those who are driven by vengeance It's the classic Sorry! Board Game with vintage design and look, and it even comes in an awesome decorative Nostalgia tin box! It's just like the Sorry! Board Game that you remember as a kid and even has graphics inspired by the original 1954 edition game! Have yourself some vengeful fun with this awesome Sorry! Nostalgia Tin Board Game!

Scrabble Nostalgia Tin Board Game $24.99 The classic and original Scrabble Board Game! Spell out some words! Best for the studious sort It's the classic Scrabble Board Game with a vintage design and look, and it even comes in an awesome decorative Nostalgia tin box! It's just like the Scrabble Board Game that you remember as a kid and even has graphics inspired by the original 1948 edition game! Have yourself some fun spelling out words for the most possible points with this great Scrabble Nostalgia Tin Board Game!

Monopoly Nostalgia Tin Board Game $24.99 The classic and original Monopoly Board Game! Buy some property and charge exorbitant amounts for rent! Best for the business-brained It's the classic Monopoly Board Game with vintage design and look, and it even comes in an awesome decorative Nostalgia tin box! It's just like the Monopoly Board Game that you remember as a kid and even has graphics inspired by the original 1936 edition game! Have yourself some fun buying up all of the Atlantic City property and booting your competition out of town with the Monopoly Nostalgia Tin Board Game!

World's Best Dice Game $24.99 World's Best Dice Game includes 2 dice cups, 10 dice, and game book. Get rollin'!

Operation Game $18.99 Cavity Sam is your patient! Will you be the top doc? A fun twist on the classic game of skill. This Operation silly skill game features bells, burps, barks, and more! Grab your tweezers and hold your hand steady. What do you hear? It sounds like a toilet flushing… looks like Cavity Sam has a case of bad plumbing! Eeeeeek! Can you "operate" and help him out? Press his nose to find out if your operation was a success, then listen up and the game will tell you what to grab next. Will you be the top doc? The classic silly skill game is updated with fun sound FX, squishy, and slippery ailments, and a convenient clipboard and storage tray to keep everything together. Features two skill levels. Includes a game tray with Cavity Sam "patient" and tweezers, 13 Funatomy parts and instructions. For 1 or more players. Ages 6 and up. Requires 4 "AAA" batteries, not included.

Loopz M3 Memory Game $19.99 The Loopz M3 Game is a music, memory, and motion game that gets kids moving wherever they are! This handheld interactive device has 4 trigger buttons and motion sensors designed for fast, fun, and portable play. 4 games keep things interesting! See who has the fastest reaction or best memory. Includes 4 games for up to 2 players. Requires 3x "AAA" batteries, included. Ages 7 and up.

Power Yahtzee Game $9.99 It's Yahtzee with a twist! Plan a family game night! Everything you need to play! The best-selling dice game of all-time has been given a remarkable shot in the arm. Thanks to the new Power die, players can score double and triple points...and even take a 4th roll if they're lucky enough. Includes 2 interlocking dice cups, 5 dice, 1 power die, score pad and instructions. Ages: 8 and up Players: 1 to 6

The Game Of Life It's A Dog's Life Edition Game $17.99 The world famous Game of Life has gone to the dogs....in the best way possible! You can even customize your token using our online app and play with your own dog! For ages 8 and up, and 2 to 5 players. Contains gameboard, plastic gameboard pieces (spinner, fire hydrant, doghouse, tree and pooch palace), bone money pad with pet insurance certificates, 5 plastic cars, cardboard dog tokens (including blanks for customization), puppy pegs and illustrated rules. Ages 9 and up.

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