There's a new weapon in the next-gen console war, and it's called the teraflop. Enthusiasts have taken one glance at the technical specifications for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and have decided that the latter's 12 teraflops of GPU power makes it the more capable machine. PS5, with its lowly capacity for 10.28 teraflops, is a meagre option by comparison. This is the narrative being spun by gamers, despite numerous industry experts ensuring the number is almost meaningless.

However, Sony engineers are clearly in tune with what your average hardcore gamer wants. According to our exclusive source, the platform holder is currently developing a new hardware unit that will enhance PS5's teraflops output.

Say hello to the terafloppy disk.

"Sony's terafloppy disk is a proprietary add-on for PS5 that is capable of boosting its teraflops count beyond the core hardware," our source tells us. "Consumers will be able to purchase a terafloppy disk in several sizes and insert it into a purpose-built slot. The entry-level terafloppy disk will increase PS5's teraflops from 10.28 to 15.6." As we all know, the bigger the number, the more graphics PS5 will have.

Larger capacity terafloppy disks will of course increase that figure even further, allowing those that care about such trivial numbers to truly stick it to the team in green. These will be made available post-launch, and are said to run at a cost that's "unappealing to gamers".

Our source also tells us Sony has been watching the teraflops situation "very carefully" over the last year or so. After the reaction Microsoft's teraflops received when it unveiled Xbox Series X's specs, Sony knew it had to go full steam ahead with this bolt-on hardware. With PS5's default teraflops figure straggling behind, the terafloppy disk went into full production, after being developed in secret by Mark Cerny and probably some other people.

Presumably, Microsoft will respond with a similar strategy going forward, but we'll have to wait and see once both consoles have had their full reveals. Here's hoping the teraflops argument goes on for the remainder of 2020. If we're really lucky, things like the terafloppy disk will encourage this behaviour for the entire lifespan of PS5 and Xbox Series X.

We've reached out to Sony for comment, but social distancing is likely to mean they won't reach back with a response.

What do you make of the terafloppy disk? Is it something you would invest in to give your PS5 the graphical edge? Flop down into the comments below.