Sony seems to be planning to launch a new version of the PlayStation sometime this year. It has been known as PS4.5 or PS4K but the gaming console has reportedly been nicknamed NEO. The system's hardware specs will include improved CPU, GPU, and RAM.   

The CPU will get a speed boost up to 2.1Ghz, a GPU with 911MHz, and a memory bandwidth jump to 218GB/s. The tech specs seem to verify that AMD has won some big contracts for its new Polaris architecture.

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In addition, the NEO system's GPU would have 36 Computer Units (CUs). That would include about 2,304 stream processors, or about twice the number of the old chip.

AMD has not commented on Polaris making any deals with Sony for the PS4.5. However, it has stated in the past that the focus of Polaris will be on efficiency and console gaming on a thin notebook.

Sony has already updated PS4 internals since its rollout by reducing the number of memory chips and adding a more efficient power supply. However, the accelerated processing unit (APU) has not been changed, according to Ars Technica.

The PS4 NEO will reportedly be released in October, according to GiantBomb. All games will run in  "Base Mode" built for older hardware, and a "NEO Mode" for upgraded hardware. They can use the faster CPU and GPU for the new PS4.5 and an extra 512  MB of memory.

This will give 1080-pixel games a frame rate boost, Meanwhile, developers will have the option to upgrade games to 4K resolution.

In related news, an executive at games retailer GameStop has said that it seems new consoles from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft could be launched soon. Chief Operating Officer Tony Bartel said at a GameStop event that his company is also pleased with new gaming technology such as virtual reality.   

Bartel said that the company cannot share all of the information it has about the new consoles. However, there recently have been tenable rumors about new consoles being released this year.  They include reports of Sony's PS4.5 with 4K resolution and support for PlayStation VR, Nintendo's NX portable console, and Microsoft's hardware upgrades for Xbox One.

Here's a review of PS VR: