PlayStation 6 Is Planned to Be the Most Powerful Console of Its Gen; Sony Only Considering AMD |UP| Will have handheld & AMD contracts signed.

Etifilio

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I doubt it 🤷‍♂️

They probably have ideias, drafts, etc but they always have it… that is not new.
you know they start to develop the new console once one is released right? Ps6 is in development since 2021
 

ethomaz

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you know they start to develop the new console once one is released right? Ps6 is in development since 2021
No.

They start to look into ideias.

PS5 APU for example started to be designed in 2018 together with AMD.
The first engineer sample was in 2019.

Like I said ideias for a Vita sucessor they had since ever... every generation they thing about a new portable... well perhaps every year.
I'm near 100% true there is no contract for anything related to a PS portable yet.

Plus a portable without ARM is a shot in the head like a niche giant device as Steam Deck and similar.
 
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Gamernyc78

Gamernyc78

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rumours from reliable sources already proven to be correct about the PS5 pro
Rumors nevertheless and the AMD thing is a no brainer. Moores kaw btw has like a 50/50 track record.I however look forward to the handheld info which coincidentally is coming off the handheld rumor for Xbox.
 

ToTTenTranz

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MLID's description is a bit all over the place. He can't seem to decide if this new handheld is the PS6 or something in-between.

Honestly, a handheld that only guarantees full compatibility with PS4 games is way past its time. It would've been super interesting 2 or 3 years ago, but a year from now, no one is going to want that because it's something the Steam Deck already does a lot better.
Sony also knows they can't afford to scatter their 1st and 3rd party developer pools among very different platforms. They let the Vita die for that reason, and PSVR2 seems to be going the same way.



Regardless, let's say the PS6 indeed is a handheld hybrid, or there's a handheld SKU at the PS6's launch. Some things to take into consideration, if Sony wants to have a Switch-like hybrid console:

- CPU power nowadays is "easy" to bring into portable mode. PS5's CPU performance is already outmatched by the Z1 Extreme in the ROG Ally and Legion Go. The CPU is also a progressively smaller chunk of the die and power consumption in gaming SoCs. The PS6 could have like 12 cores Zen5c / Zen6c and it would both fit a 20W handheld and provide enough CPU coverage for a much larger and more capable GPU.

- GPU power is not at all easy to bring into portable mode, so obviously the "handheld PS6" can't have a large GPU in there for power and heat dissipation reasons.

- Memory bandwidth that can feed a big GPU is also not possible at all to put into a handheld device, especially at videogame console cost. GDDR takes way too much power, LPDDR would need too many channels and then it would take too much power as well, so those are out of the question for a handheld, I guess they could use ultra-expensive HBM3 that downvolts/downclocks like crazy, but the full production of HBM is going into AI chips and I don't think Sony or AMD would ever want a console SoC to be subjected to the super expensive packaging that HBM demands.

- On the other hand, a smaller integrated GPU in the PS6 handheld could just target 1080p on a 8" screen after aggressive upscaling (maximum 540p base rendering, maye even just 360p)


- Sony also can't afford to just become a Nintendo rival and launch a home console that can't even keep up to the PS5 in power.



So here's what I think a PS6 hybrid in late 2028 could be:

- Base handheld with a gaming-capable ~10-20W SoC on TSMC N2 and enough memory that can play full PS6 games at 1080p presentation. Take e.g. Strix Point with some modifications:
  • 12-16 cores Zen5/6c @ ~3.5GHz,
  • 16-24CUs RDNA5/6 @ ~2GHz,
  • 128bit 32GB LPDDR6/7
  • 2TB PCIe 5.0 M.2
  • 1080p 8" with VRR
  • 60W.h battery
  • ~$500 / 500€
- And then there would be an optional dock with an integrated discrete GPU and its own pool of memory. To avoid CPU-GPU bandwidth bottlenecks, they'd need a very fast connection so USB4 definitely wouldn't suffice. It could still use the USB-C connector (which doubles as charging input), but it'd need to pass like PCIe 7.0 using 4x lanes (128GB/s).
  • >80CUs RDNA5/6 @ >3GHz
  • 24GB GDDR7 192bit
  • ~$400 / 400€


Ideally this would work just like on the Switch in docked/handheld mode. The 32GB in the handheld are enough to play all games with 540p render -> 1080p output without setbacks, but connect to the GPU dock and now the engine only uses the external GPU, output changes to 4K with higher framerates and perhaps additional effects at the developers' discretion. Since the integrated GPU isn't being used, the CPU in the SoC can now clock up to 5GHz and perhaps the SSD I/O can raise its clocks as well.



And for people who just want the home console box, Sony can make a box with another SoC where the target and specs are practically the same as the handheld + dock:
  • 12-16 cores Zen5/6c @ ~5GHz,
  • >80CUs RDNA5/6 @ >3GHz,
  • 32GB GDDR7 256bit
  • 2TB PCIe 5.0 M.2
  • $500 / 500€
 
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Etifilio

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MLID's description is a bit all over the place. He can't seem to decide if this new handheld is the PS6 or something in-between.

Honestly, a handheld that only guarantees full compatibility with PS4 games is way past its time. It would've been super interesting 2 or 3 years ago, but a year from now, no one is going to want that because it's something the Steam Deck already does a lot better.
Sony also knows they can't afford to scatter their 1st and 3rd party developer pools among very different platforms. They let the Vita die for that reason, and PSVR2 seems to be going the same way.



Regardless, let's say the PS6 indeed is a handheld hybrid, or there's a handheld SKU at the PS6's launch. Some things to take into consideration, if Sony wants to have a Switch-like hybrid console:

- CPU power nowadays is "easy" to bring into portable mode. PS5's CPU performance is already outmatched by the Z1 Extreme in the ROG Ally and Legion Go. The CPU is also a progressively smaller chunk of the die and power consumption in gaming SoCs. The PS6 could have like 12 cores Zen5c / Zen6c and it would both fit a 20W handheld and provide enough CPU coverage for a much larger and more capable GPU.

- GPU power is not at all easy to bring into portable mode, so obviously the "handheld PS6" can't have a large GPU in there for power and heat dissipation reasons.

- Memory bandwidth that can feed a big GPU is also not possible at all to put into a handheld device, especially at videogame console cost. GDDR takes way too much power, LPDDR would need too many channels and then it would take too much power as well, so those are out of the question for a handheld, I guess they could use ultra-expensive HBM3 that downvolts/downclocks like crazy, but the full production of HBM is going into AI chips and I don't think Sony or AMD would ever want a console SoC to be subjected to the super expensive packaging that HBM demands.

- On the other hand, a smaller integrated GPU in the PS6 handheld could just target 1080p on a 8" screen after aggressive upscaling (maximum 540p base rendering, maye even just 360p)


- Sony also can't afford to just become a Nintendo rival and launch a home console that can't even keep up to the PS5 in power.



So here's what I think a PS6 hybrid in late 2028 could be:

- Base handheld with a gaming-capable ~10-20W SoC on TSMC N2 and enough memory that can play full PS6 games at 1080p presentation. Take e.g. Strix Point with some modifications:
  • 12-16 cores Zen5/6c @ ~3.5GHz,
  • 16-24CUs RDNA5/6 @ ~2GHz,
  • 128bit 32GB LPDDR6/7
  • 2TB PCIe 5.0 M.2
  • 1080p 8" with VRR
  • 60W.h battery
  • ~$500 / 500€
- And then there would be an optional dock with an integrated discrete GPU and its own pool of memory. To avoid CPU-GPU bandwidth bottlenecks, they'd need a very fast connection so USB4 definitely wouldn't suffice. It could still use the USB-C connector (which doubles as charging input), but it'd need to pass like PCIe 7.0 using 4x lanes (128GB/s).
  • >80CUs RDNA5/6 @ >3GHz
  • 24GB GDDR7 192bit
  • ~$400 / 400€


Ideally this would work just like on the Switch in docked/handheld mode. The 32GB in the handheld are enough to play all games with 540p render -> 1080p output without setbacks, but connect to the GPU dock and now the engine only uses the external GPU, output changes to 4K with higher framerates and perhaps additional effects at the developers' discretion. Since the integrated GPU isn't being used, the CPU in the SoC can now clock up to 5GHz and perhaps the SSD I/O can raise its clocks as well.



And for people who just want the home console box, Sony can make a box with another SoC where the target and specs are practically the same as the handheld + dock:
  • 12-16 cores Zen5/6c @ ~5GHz,
  • >80CUs RDNA5/6 @ >3GHz,
  • 32GB GDDR7 256bit
  • 2TB PCIe 5.0 M.2
  • $500 / 500€
he only speculated about the specs, he lets it very clear in the video, we'll only know about the specs when Sony reveals it
 

Dabaus

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won't be a streaming device, will play games natively, that's why AMD is developing it
It could Natively play PS4 and 5 games while also streaming 6 so devs arent tied to it. I think thatd be the best of both worlds.
 

ToTTenTranz

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he only speculated about the specs, he lets it very clear in the video, we'll only know about the specs when Sony reveals it
I know the specs were just speculation (as were mine, obviously), but he keeps mixing the handheld with the PS6 being a handheld.


I do think it makes sense for Sony to invade Nintendo's blue ocean, though. Microsoft is probably going to do it as well, assuming they don't kill the Xbox hardware altogether.
 

Etifilio

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I know the specs were just speculation (as were mine, obviously), but he keeps mixing the handheld with the PS6 being a handheld.


I do think it makes sense for Sony to invade Nintendo's blue ocean, though. Microsoft is probably going to do it as well, assuming they don't kill the Xbox hardware altogether.
it's probably what's going to happen, PS6 handheld and PS6 console, both will function equally 2 SKUs, if they make a poweful handheld it won't be a big deal
 

ethomaz

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Let’s guesstimate like him…

Today tech only allow Handheld tech like you see in Steam Deck and similar… that if they are going x86 route (ARM allow way more powerful devices).

You can add something like DLSS as Nintendo is probably doing with Switch 2 but that won’t increase raw power just make low resolutions to be a bit better (in a simplistic way to say it).

What do you think AMD can reach in these 4 years for a PS6 portable?

4TFs?
3TFs?

It won’t run PS5 games… so don’t expect it run PS6 games.

If that is the case then that PS6 handheld will hold absurdly the potential for PS6 games… games developed to PS6 and PS6 handheld will be very limited not even looking better than late PS5 games.

People are settling themselves again for disappointment.

The reason Switch games looks like shit in TVs are because all of them are handheld games that will only looks ok in 7” screens.
 
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Yurinka

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I know the specs were just speculation (as were mine, obviously), but he keeps mixing the handheld with the PS6 being a handheld.

I do think it makes sense for Sony to invade Nintendo's blue ocean, though. Microsoft is probably going to do it as well, assuming they don't kill the Xbox hardware altogether.
I think what Sony will do is to release a home console shaped PS6, and a portable console shaped PC handheld device, which will be their portable (PS Portal successor also featuring cloud gaming and natively Sonys PC and mobile games).

It's fair to assume that by 2027/2028 they already will have released all their main PS4 and PS5 games on PC, plus will continue releasing their PS6 games on the store (day one for GaaS, with some delay for non-GaaS).

But I think in the new generation they could shift to go day one on PC (PSN store only, other stores would get a delayed release), with the idea of selling games that if you buy once you can play them natively in PS6, Sony's PC handheld, and rest of PCs, plus also via cloud gaming in these platforms plus in mobile and smart tvs.

Let’s guesstimate like him…

Today tech only allow Handheld tech like you see in Steam Deck and similar… that if they are going x86 route (ARM allow way more powerful devices).

You can add something like DLSS as Nintendo is probably doing with Switch 2 but that won’t increase raw power just make low resolutions to be a bit better (in a simplistic way to say it).

What do you think AMD can reach in these 4 years for a PS6 portable?

4TFs?
3TFs?

It won’t run PS5 games… so don’t expect it run PS6 games.

If that is the case then that PS6 handheld will hold absurdly the potential for PS6 games… games developed to PS6 and PS6 handheld will be very limited not even looking better than late PS5 games.

People are settling themselves again for disappointment.

The reason Switch games looks like shit in TVs are because all of them are handheld games that will only looks ok in 7” screens.
I think due to BC/emulation it would be better for Sony to stick with AMD x64 for both the home and portable consoles. Regarding the portable console, it could be a PC handheld featuring the games from Sony's PC PSN store with specs way less powerful than a PS6 but more powerful than a Steam Deck 1.

By 2027/2028 it will feature most PS4 and PS5 main games, plus they could include in their PC store PS1/PS2/PSP/Vita games via emulation if desired (maybe PS3 too assuming this portable is way more powerful than a Steamdeck to the point it can emulate PS3 decently).

As reference, for PS6 gen games PS6 would achieve "Very High"/"Ultra"/"Max" settings of the PC games sold on their store depending on the title, while the portable would vary between "low" (not very low"), "medium" and "high" depending on the game.

For PS4 and PS5 games the portable should be able to run them maybe in the highest settings or almost, assuming a1080p native resolution (enough for a 7"/8" display, better to don't go up the resolution to ensure better fps and image quality).
 
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ethomaz

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I think what Sony will do is to release a home console shaped PS6, and a portable console shaped PC handheld device, which will be their portable (PS Portal successor also featuring cloud gaming and natively Sonys PC and mobile games).

It's fair to assume that by 2027/2028 they already will have released all their main PS4 and PS5 games on PC, plus will continue releasing their PS6 games on the store (day one for GaaS, with some delay for non-GaaS).

But I think in the new generation they could shift to go day one on PC (PSN store only, other stores would get a delayed release), with the idea of selling games that if you buy once you can play them natively in PS6, Sony's PC handheld, and rest of PCs, plus also via cloud gaming in these platforms plus in mobile and smart tvs.
That looks more plausible imo…

The ideia of having a PS6 and a PS6 handheld running the same games is crazy and just fan dreams…

And the best case scenario from that dream is PS6 portable limiting PS6 games.

You will have more than 10x raw power difference between PS6 and PS6 portable… just talking about the GPU.
 
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Yurinka

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That looks more plausible imo…

The ideia of having a PS6 and a PS6 handheld running the same games is crazy and just fan dreams…

And the best case scenario from that dream is PS6 portable limiting PS6 games.

You will have more than 10x raw power difference between PS6 and PS6 portable… just talking about the GPU.
Well, I think it's pretty doable:
  • Sony makes their own PC handheld
  • It gets the same games Sony has on their own PC store, same one being used by normal PCs and the other PC handhelds. So doesn't need specific games/ports and doesn't tone down the versions for the high end home console
  • It would have the same games (obviously not at the same visual quality than in the high end home console, but would be ok for the smaller screen of the portable)
  • It would make more appealing to 3rd parties to publish their games on Sony's PC store
  • Squareminded, childish, flatearther, doombringer Sony fanboys would see with better eyes to also have PC versions of the Sony games. In fact they'd ask to have all the games day one on their portable (so in PC). Specially if having cross-buy + cross-save + cross-play + shared friends and trophies between PS and PC.
 
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Eternal_Wings

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PS6 will be the classic console successor to PS5. The Handheld will be Steam Deck like, playing PS6 games at a much lower resolution (1080p). Handheld will also support PS4 and PS5 games natively.
 

ToTTenTranz

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Handheld will also support PS4 and PS5 games natively.
I have a hard time believing in 2028 we'll have a handheld SoC with 448GB/s and a 10TFLOPs GPU, so that it runs PS5 games natively.

The best we have right now is AMD Phoenix, 4 TFLOPs (maximum, average around 3 TFLOPs) with 120GB/s. 8 years ago we had the PS4 Pro with 4 TFLOPs and 218GB/s.
Sure, the Phoenix handhelds like the ROG Ally and Legion Go can do better things than the PS4 Pro could 8 years ago, but even with full ISA compliance they wouldn't be able to run PS4 Pro binaries due to the lower memory bandwidth and pixel fillrate.
 

Eternal_Wings

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I have a hard time believing in 2028 we'll have a handheld SoC with 448GB/s and a 10TFLOPs GPU, so that it runs PS5 games natively.

The best we have right now is AMD Phoenix, 4 TFLOPs (maximum, average around 3 TFLOPs) with 120GB/s. 8 years ago we had the PS4 Pro with 4 TFLOPs and 218GB/s.
Sure, the Phoenix handhelds like the ROG Ally and Legion Go can do better things than the PS4 Pro could 8 years ago, but even with full ISA compliance they wouldn't be able to run PS4 Pro binaries due to the lower memory bandwidth and pixel fillrate.
Then bookmark my tweet. Pretty confident it will support PS4& PS5 games natively. It will also play PS6 games natively with lower specs.
You forgot how many times Sony crafted innovative technology. If someone can do it, then it's Sony.
 

Systemshock2023

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BC Handheld would be great for customers already in the PS ecosystem. And could help slow down the graphics arm race. Maybe developers can spend less time putting games together and take risks.
 

Polyh3dron

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I don't see how Sony can get this far ahead by sticking with AMD. They are becoming increasingly sheepish on the graphics front, and are apparently bowing out of competing in the top end yet again with the coming generation of GPUs while they go all in on AI.
 

Kokoloko

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Having an offline PSP that can play there ecosystem of games is a great move. Id b day 1 on PS6 and. PSP3