In a groundbreaking revelation, it has been claimed that Sony is developing a PlayStation 6 handheld that will feature television docking capabilities similar to the popular Nintendo Switch. This intriguing information comes from the YouTube channel Moore’s Law is Dead, known for its accurate leaks regarding technical specifications of PlayStation consoles prior to their official announcements.
According to Moore’s Law is Dead, the PS6 handheld is set to launch alongside a more powerful, traditional PlayStation 6 home console. This information is reportedly sourced from "up to date" documentation provided by AMD, Sony's graphics partner. The channel asserts that it has reviewed "multiple documents" specifying that the upcoming PlayStation 6 portable will feature docking capabilities akin to the Nintendo Switch.
What sets the PS6 handheld apart is its expected performance. When docked, it is claimed that the device will be able to play games at power levels exceeding that of the base PlayStation 5. The specifications include an AMD APU with four Zen 6 cores and two additional cores dedicated solely to system tasks. Furthermore, the PS6 handheld is reported to possess a 16 x RDNA 5 CUs GPU, operating at 1.2GHz in handheld mode and 1.65GHz when docked.
Moore’s Law is Dead speculates that the PS6 handheld could retail for approximately $500, with a potential release date set for late 2027. This would mark Sony’s first foray into the handheld gaming market since the launch of the PS Vita in 2011. Although a portable accessory for the PlayStation 5, known as PlayStation Portal, was released in 2023, it does not support native game play.
Last year, it was reported by Reuters that Sony had contracted AMD to design and fabricate the chip for the PlayStation 6, emphasizing the company's focus on backwards compatibility. AMD previously developed the custom system on a chip (SoC) for both the PlayStation 5 and the anticipated PS5 Pro. This collaboration was a crucial factor in Sony's decision-making process for the PlayStation 6.
This summer, during a business segment meeting, Sony discussed its future console strategy, reiterating its commitment to "exploring a new and enhanced way for players" to engage with games. Hideaki Nishino, CEO of SIE, stated, "While we cannot share further details at this stage, the future of the platform is top of mind." This hints at the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for gamers and the innovative direction Sony is pursuing.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming PlayStation 6 handheld and home console, gamers are eager to see how Sony plans to redefine the gaming experience with this new technology.
