Holy beard, these MLB 14 The Show screenshots are amazing

Sony today announced the release dates of MLB 14 The Show, and in doing so they also revealed all-new screenshots comparing the PS3 version with the PS4 version. Holy beard, the difference. While The Show has always been a gorgeous-looking baseball sim, it appears SCEA San Diego Studios is kicking the graphics up a notch with the PS4 version.

Sony posted several screenshots of the PS4 version, making note of the "revamped lighting engine, meticulously rendered facial hair, and rich stadium detail." Just looking at the screenshot of Mike Napoli makes me want to tug on that lovely beard. It's hard to believe that's the same person in the PS3 version below.

In addition to the facial hair and lighting, MLB 14 The Show will feature a new UI built from the ground up for PS4 that has been "optimized for maximum efficiency and responsivenes." Although the engine was built for PS4, you'll notice a difference with the PS3 and Vita versions as well.

"The PS4 is the most powerful gaming console ever made," boasts SCEA San Diego Studios community manager Ramone Russell. "There’s so much horsepower for us to take advantage of to make the most realistic, best-playing, most authentic baseball video game ever."

Sony posted numerous screenshots of MLB 14 The Show along with a trailer of the PS3 version of the game.

Graphics aside, MLB 14 The Show has more than 50 new features and improvements "that will enhance, deepen, streamline, and better your overall experience." Some of them have already been shared with us, though Sony San Diego promises a more comprehensive list of enhancements and new features will be revealed later this month.

MLB 14 The Show is due out on April 1 for PS3 and Vita. The PS4 version will arrive some time in May.

[PS Blog]