PS3 Informer

Sony Plans to Use Cell in PS4

The Cell processor uses a multi-core chip architecture to distribute complex operations into separate threads. If all of this seems complicated – it is, and that is why many developers have expressed difficulty getting the most out of the PS3 console.

According to technical documents leaked by Japanese site Watch Impress, Sony plans to continue using its workhorse Cell design in the next iteration of the Playstation console.

Sony has already invested millions in hardware R & D and SDKs (Software Development Kits) to help studios create compelling games for its new console. From a business perspective, it really doesn’t make much sense for Sony to scrap the Cell at this point to pursue a brand new chip design. The company likely hopes to capitalize on its investment and leverage developer familiarity with the Cell into the next generation of software titles. This will help keep first-party studios competitive and ensure great exclusive content on the next Sony platform.

The leaked documents suggest a 2011 time frame for the new hardware, which seems to go against early Sony claims of a “10 year product life cycle”. However, rapidly changing technology and emergent competition from other manufacturers like Microsoft may force Sony to push an enhanced Cell-based console out as early as 2 years hence.

The Cell architecture has already proven to be a competent platform for gaming, so we are pleased to hear that Sony will continue developing this technology. It will be interesting to see if the chipset finds more applications outside of Sony consumer products, or whether it remains a mainly proprietary technology. A Cell-enabled Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii would certainly blow some minds, for example.

Close-up detail of the Cell processor, sowing its 8 SPE cores.

[Source: Watch Impress]