As the current console generation approaches its five-year mark for both Sony and Microsoft speculation about their next hardware is heating up.
The latest buzz centers around a rumoured PlayStation 6 hand held which could potentially compete with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
According to the YouTube channel Moore’s Law is Dead, this alleged PS6 handheld is expected to be dockable and backward compatible with PS4 and PS5 games.
The channel reported specifications including a 16 Compute Unit RDNA 5GPU, operating at 1.20 GHz in handheld mode and 1.65GHz when docked.
Additionally, the PS6 handheld is anticipated to be priced significantly lower than Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox Ally X, which is set to launch on October 16, although Microsoft has yet to disclose its price.
There are also rumors of a PS6S model, potentially a less powerful and more affordable variant akin to the relationship between the Xbox Series S and Series X.
Moore’s Law is Dead estimates the price ranges for the new models: $299-$399 for the PS6S, $399-$499 for the handheld and $549-$699 for the base PS6, with a possible release slated for all 2027.
This would position the PS6, with a possible release slated for fall 2027. This would position the PS6 handheld as a direct competitor to the Nintendo Switch 2.
While Sony executives have hinted at the development of next gen consoles, specific details remain elusive.
In recent interview, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino highlighted the enduring importance of consoles in conjunction with cloud gaming, noting that most players prefer local game play over reliance on network conditions.
Sony’s historical console development timeline suggests that work on the PS6 has likely been underway for years, potentially since the PS5’s launch in 2020.
Recent initiatives, including the PlayStation Portal, indicate that Sony is positioning itself for a return to handheld gaming.
Former SIE Worldwide Studios CEO Shawn Layden expressed doubts about the possibility of an all digital PS6, given the challenges of disc-less gaming in certain markets.
Additionally, reports indicate that AMD secured the chip contract for the PS6 over Intel in 2022, further reinforcing the likelihood of a 2027 release, coinciding with major upcoming titles like Kojima’s “Physint” and “The Witcher 4”.
