It's quite obviously a way to artificially bolster the release schedule, because it's not like there are a ton of big games coming, in all honesty. Microsoft and Nintendo do it from time to time, too. And why wouldn't they? People lap it up, it's a sound strategy!

I would agree, but considering the context it was not really anticipated. It has only just begun to be marketted and while it will obviously fill in gaps, I think it contributes to the library rather than release schedule. Especially when PS4 has been mitigating this problems with Indies and TLOU was expected to be one of the first games on PSNOW which should be starting betas soon. 

The Ps3 is(or might) nearing it's end and most people who probably never bought TLOU have already bought a Ps4 anyway so it's a nice alternative for them. Also it could also be their GOTY edition but instead of just the same old with all the DLC's we get a better one.

I think it is fine. No big deal. As ive mentioned before i think most people that wanted it prob already bought it but it is a good enough game that i think people will double dip on it.

However im not sure why people are quoting Tomb Raider as being a successful remaster. While im glad they did remaster tomb raider it hasnt exactly broken any kind of records in terms of how well it sold. Im not saying it was unsuccessful as it still spold an extra 400k, but it wasnt some huge blockbuster either.  Considering games usually have a high attach ratio this early in the gen as well.

I do however believe The Last of US can get more people considering exclusives usually have more of a hardcore following TLoU is one of last gens best games.  Id also consider TOmb Raider to be but it didnt win near as many as awards

Well, look at it this way: people who might be considering getting TLOU would have the choice between the original PS3 version, or the brand-spanking new, freshly-updated next-gen edition. The PS3 original will look dated in comparison (especially since the game was lauded for its amazing visuals - on PS4 it will be even prettier). People who might not have been interested before might be persuaded to get it on PS4, or better yet, get a PS4 along with the game.

It's an easy, quick solution to get a highly-rated AAA title on your new system, and charge good money for it, too. The majority of people interested in TLOU on PS3 have already bought the game, obviously, and it seems a given that a 'new' PS4 version will sell more than however many copies they might still sell/would have additionally sold on PS3.

Anyway, my personal opinion is that yes, remastering a one-year-old game's definitely overkill.

But its only "remastered" because its a port from weaker hardware. Imagine if Nintendo did the same with Super Mario Galaxy, or Xbox with Gears of War. The game does not warrant the purchase of a new 400$ console, but it does give some a reason to choose a ps4 over a ps3 if they have neither.

EDIT: This post was rushed cause I was moving classes. Furthemore, consider the alternatives:

A $600+ console with backwards compatibility running a game designed for older hardware costs a lot more than a 400$ dollar console and a 60$ game even with a subscription for online multiplayer.

If someone had a PS4 why would they buy a PS3 just to buy TLOU at a discounted price but without non of the dlc? $60 < $30-60 + a console + (optional dlc)

As for me: I have a PS3 and a PS4 and I borrowed TLOU from a friend for the PS3 and since I don't own it have come nowhere close to finishing it, (basically a MGS GZ style demo ), why would I choose the ps3 copy over the ps4 copy just because its 30$ new on amazon for just the basic copy?

It's a port, what's the big deal? Capcom has ported Resident Evil 4 like 800 times.

I doubt anyone's going to be buying a PS4 just for a TLOU remaster. But yes, it's a relatively strong addition to its library, which may push some people to buy the console (and the game, obviously, in addition to other games). People like new things. Also, consider the thin lineup of big games releasing; it makes sense to release this so early during the PS4's lifespan, as it can be done quickly, which is key here. It will likely have more effect to do this now than in a couple of years (when there will be plenty of big games out to buy for the system).

Nintendo did a Zelda WW remaster last year, because it could be done by a tiny team in a few months, thus padding the Wii U's release schedule, while people waited for new big games.

Have to agree with you here. I wouldn't exactly say Tomb Raider flew off the shelves but it did respectable sales for a remaster of a game that isn't quite what most would consider top shelf. To use it as an example of how well a remaster can do is honestly not giving TLoU a fair shot. I do think that by comparing how Tomb Raider did when considering how much better The Last of Us was you can probably get a good idea of what the sales will look like. I'd say TLoU should easily be able to hit 2 million sold on the PS4 by the end of the year.

Something to fill the gap and the series will continue on PS4, so overall I would say it's a smart decision to re-release it on PS4.