'PlayStation 4' May Not Include Cell Processor

A report from Japanese outlet Impress Watch states Sony is considering several options for the design of the 'PlayStation 4,' including scrapping the Cell design entirely and moving towards a traditional PC multi-core processor.

Tech writer Hiroshige Goto says Sony is also looking at a new, modified version of the Cell processor, and Intel's Larrabee chipset as possible candidates. He also says that it seems unlikely we'll see a release of the 'PS4' until 2012 at the earliest, as it usually takes two years for a console to go from concept into full production.

While the PlayStation 3's Cell processor has its advantages over the competition, many third-party developers still seem to be having difficulty programming for it, as recently seen with SEGA's Bayonetta port. Whatever they choose to do, though, it's refreshing to see Sony focusing on being more developer-friendly for the future.