AMD says PC gaming will benefit from next generation consoles

Next generation consoles from Microsoft and Sony are just around the bend. Many have forecasted their arrival as a blow to PC gaming but according to AMD’s Matt Skynner, that simply isn’t the case. Instead, he believes PC gamers will actually benefit from the arrival of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Battlefield 4 multiplayer beta opens October 1

It’s been known for over a year that a multiplayer beta of Battlefield 4 would debut before the game’s public launch. The game is slated for release on October 29 and now thanks to a recent post from EA’s Peter Moore, we know the multiplayer beta will debut on October 1.

What’s more, the beta will be available for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Next generation console hopefuls are out of luck for obvious reasons: the game is launching on other platforms before the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are scheduled to hit stores. EA, however, envisions players buying the game for current generation consoles to learn the maps and whatnot before transitioning to next generation systems once they become available.

Based on information mined from the game’s official FAQ, beta participants will be able to battle it out using Conquest mode on the Siege of Shanghai map.

Those interested in gaining beta access can do so through a few different methods. One way requires users to pre-order Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe Edition on Origin. Also, Battlefield 3 Premium members will gain access and finally, registered owners of Medal of Honor Warfighter Limited Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition are being allowed in.

Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe Edition currently sells for $69.99 on Origin. In addition to beta access, the pre-order also includes the China Rising DLC and three gold battlepacks (a bundle of extra items, weapons and the like).

Sony could release super slim PS3 at Gamescom next month

Sony may be planning to update the PlayStation 3 according to documents filed with the US Federal Communications Commission. This would mark the second revision for the current generation home console, the first coming in 2009 as a slimmed down version of the original that also consumes less power. It’s currently the only model in production.

The revision, earning the nickname “super slim”, could be announced at Gamescom next month in Germany. Note that Sony used the same stage to introduce the current slim model three years ago. The FCC sketches don’t reveal too much, but they do show a different FCC label position and confirm that Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and 802.11g/n come standard once again.

Eurogamer spoke with Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida at last month’s E3, asking if they had any plans to release a super slim PS3. Yoshida told the publication to never say never, a strong indication that such a move is likely.

The move could be a last ditch attempt to reel in some late adopters before the launch of their next generation console, dubbed the PlayStation 4. Many expect the PS4 to drop sometime next year or in 2014, perhaps around the same time as Microsoft’s rumored Xbox 720.

The current PS3 slim is 32 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter and consumes 34 percent less power than the original that launched in November 2006. Outside of the reply at E3, Sony has declined to comment any further on the rumor.