Alleged Specs for the Sony PS6 Handheld Console Reveal Ambitious Technology at a Challenging Price Point

With the existing series of consoles from Microsoft and Sony approaching their end cycle, speculation surrounding next-generation launches is intensifying. Among various rumors regarding the PlayStation 6’s features is a list of proposed specifications for Sony’s return to the handheld console market, potentially featuring a robust custom AMD chip at its core.

Source of Claims

The claims originate from Moore’s Law is Dead, a YouTube channel known for its speculative takes on tech leaks. While their credibility varies, speculative nature introduces an intriguing glimpse of the possible future hardware.

Detailed Specifications

Reports suggest that Sony intends to introduce a handheld version of the PS6, a development not entirely astonishing considering their previous ventures. Notably, it is rumored to be powered by an AMD-provided custom chip dubbed “Canis.”

Processor Construction: Produced on TSMC’s N3 process node, the ‘Canis’ CPU is expected to embody four Zen 6c cores along with two Zen 6 Low Power cores. This resembles AMD’s Ryzen AI 340 model, although the gaming functions would utilize the six performance cores, while the LP cores would manage the handheld’s operating system.
Graphics Capabilities: Canis is purported to include 16 RDNA 5 compute units. This configuration aligns with expectations, given that previous handhelds had fewer units, yet raises questions about performance expectations compared to contemporary consoles.

Performance Predictions

Although the proposed specs for clock speed hover around 1.65 GHz in docked mode, speculation about achieving performance on par with the PS5’s graphical output raises eyebrows. The challenges arise chiefly from the proposed architecture that appears to be positioned as advanced tech yet may be layered with considerable constraints based on actual gaming requirements.

Memory Configuration: It’s indicated that Canis will employ LPDDR5X-8533 RAM across a 192-bit bus, totaling an ambitious 48 GB, a stark contrast to the 16 GB standard in many current devices.

Pricing Speculations

Rumors also suggest a retail price between $399 and $499, an amount deemed impractical given the high-end specifications being suggested.

In summary, while the specifications and proposed upgrades appear groundbreaking, numerous practical concerns linger about the feasibility and projected performance viability of the rumored PS6 handheld.