PlayStation 4 powered by AMD - Report

Nvidia provided the graphics processor for the PlayStation 3, but it appears Sony is switching to competitor AMD for the PlayStation 4.

Former AMD employees tell business publication Forbes that Sony's next home console will sport graphics technology provided by the California-based multinational semiconductor company.

Additionally, the sources said "the processor designer may play a key role in the new product."

If Sony does team up with AMD for its next console, it will join Microsoft's Xbox 360 in leveraging the chipmaker's technology. The Xbox 360 currently runs on a custom graphics processor built by AMD.

A Sony representative told GameSpot, "We haven't made any announcement about future console generations."

As for the PlayStation 4, Sony has acknowledged the existence of the system but has been mum on specifics. The system was rumored to have its coming out party at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo this summer, but Sony shot that notion down.

For a collection of rumors related to the PS4--as well as the next Xbox and Wii U--check out GameSpot's rumor roundup feature.