Report: PlayStation 4 to Abandon the Cell Processor

Sony's next console may be equipped with an AMD chipset.

The introduction of the PlayStation 3 included the Cell processor, a chipset designed by Sony to create the most advanced home video game console to date. Due to a number of possibilites, the results never quite reached Sony's high expectations, and it looks like the company may be moving to a different processor architecture for the PlayStation 4.

According to Kotaku, the PlayStation 3's successor will abandon the existing Cell processor in favor of a chip produced by AMD. Originally reported by Forbes, Sony's shift to an AMD produced chip would stray from its current partner and AMD rival, NVIDIA.

If taken to be true, developers can begin creating games using existing AMD architecture, as opposed to waiting for Sony to release new technology. Considering this, developers could, theoretically, already have the tools to start working on the next generation of home console gaming. Straying away from proprietary technology can also result in more consistent ports between platforms, something that has been a tough challenge for some PlayStation titles.

Sony has yet to make any announcements regarding the PlayStation 4, and the company is in no rush to do so.

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