According to the latest rumors Sony are considering replacing the PS3’s Cell architecture with a more mainstream multi-core processor in the PlayStation 4, according to PC Watch, after game developers have reported greater than average problems developing for the current-gen console. Based on rumors and speculation coming out of Japan, the company also considered – but decided against – a combination Cell/Intel Larrabee setup.

That combination was discarded over fears it might not prove powerful enough. Another suggested – but abandoned – possibility had been a modified version of the Synergistic Processor Unit. PC Watch actually expect the new PS4 to arrive in late 2012 or early 2013 already.