The latest PlayStation 6 handheld specifications have surfaced online, igniting excitement among gaming enthusiasts. Preliminary reports suggest that this upcoming device is poised to outperform the Xbox ROG Ally X and even the base PlayStation 5 in several scenarios. The leak comes from a reputable source, Moore's Law is Dead, who recently shared a detailed video on YouTube outlining the expected features of the portable gaming console.
At the heart of the PlayStation 6 handheld lies the Canis APU, a cutting-edge monolithic chip measuring 135mm square. This advanced processor is built on a state-of-the-art TSMC 3nm node and incorporates a combination of 4 Zen 6c CPU cores and 2 Zen 6 Low Power cores. This configuration will efficiently handle the operating system and non-gaming tasks, featuring 4MB of L3 cache for optimal performance. Furthermore, the device boasts a 16 CUs RDNA5 GPU, which is expected to deliver impressive clock speeds of approximately 1.20 GHz in handheld mode and 1.65 GHz when docked.
Another exciting element of the PlayStation 6 handheld is its robust memory architecture. It includes a 192-bit LPDDR5X-8533 memory controller capable of supporting up to 48GB of RAM. While specific RAM details remain unclear, industry developers have indicated that anything less than 24GB may not suffice for next-generation gaming experiences. Many believe that a range between 24GB and 36GB is essential to effectively run advanced AI features and technologies like UE5's Nanite.
The PlayStation 6 handheld will also support backward compatibility with PS5 and PS4 games, making it a versatile addition to the PlayStation ecosystem. Additional features include a MicroSD slot, an M.2 slot, haptic feedback support, dual microphones, and a responsive touchscreen. These enhancements are designed to improve user experience and gameplay immersion.
Based on the leaked specifications, performance estimations suggest that the PlayStation 6 handheld could achieve rasterization performance between 0.55 and 0.75 times that of the PlayStation 5 in docked mode. In terms of ray tracing, it might deliver performance levels ranging from 1.3 to 2.6 times that of the base model, potentially placing it on par with the PlayStation 5 Pro at peak performance. Thanks to the integration of AMD FSR 4 support, patched games are expected to run at performance levels comparable to the PlayStation 5, while unpatched games may operate at lower settings.
As for the production costs, estimates for the PlayStation 6 handheld suggest a price range between $399 and $499. This estimation takes into account the favorable yields from the TSMC 3nm node and the rising costs of RAM. Historically, Sony has launched hardware at a loss, but if these production costs hold true, the company may see a modest profit margin even at the lower end of the pricing spectrum.
While the PlayStation 6 handheld is not expected to hit the market until 2027, the gaming community is eager for more updates and insights. As new information becomes available, we will keep you informed, ensuring you stay updated on all the latest news surrounding this highly anticipated device.
