Sony’s next-gen gaming console, the PlayStation 6, is the talk of the town in the gaming community. Though Sony is yet to officially confirm it, various leaks and industry insiders suggest that the PS6 is in an advanced stage of development. Also, there are rumours of a new PlayStation handheld console that could launch alongside the PS6. Let’s discuss all these aspects in detail.
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What stage is the PS6 in development?
According to leaked documents and internal sources, the PS6 design has been finalised and is currently undergoing “pre-silicon validation”. This process is done before testing prototypes of hardware. According to a leaker, Kepler_L2, the “A0 tapeout” (final stage of chip design) of the PS6 will be completed by the end of 2024. If this is true, the PS6 release is likely to happen between 2027-2028, as Sony usually launches consoles within two years after the tapeout.
According to a report by Digital Foundry, the PS6 may have at least 24GB of RAM, which will support machine learning and AI-based features. This suggests that Sony is going to make heavy use of AI in the next generation of gaming + there would be AR and VR capabilities too.
Fans’ reaction: Both excitement and disappointment
There are mixed reactions among gamers about the PS6. On one hand, some are excited about the new hardware and graphical upgrades, while on the other hand, many gamers believe that the full potential of the PS5 has not been utilized. A user on Reddit wrote, “This generation of PS5 has been a waste, as most games are still running on PS4. Sony should bring more exclusive games for PS5 before PS6.”
Another concern is the price. The PS5 Pro costs £699.99 (roughly ₹73,000), and Sony is expected to lose $640 million due to US tariffs. In such a situation, the price of PS6 can be even higher, which may make many gamers hesitant to buy it.
Possible release date of PS6
According to most reports, the PS6 launch can happen between 2027-2028. This is also confirmed by a canceled game “Blade Runner”, which was planned to be released in 2027 for “Generation 10” PlayStation systems (PS6) by Supermassive Games. Looking at the history of Sony, it launches a new console every 6-7 years, and since the PS5 came in 2020, the 2027 timeframe seems right and will be available to buy in 2028.
New PlayStation handheld: Will it really come?
In addition to the PS6, Sony is also developing a new standalone PlayStation handheld that will be separate from the PlayStation Portal. The Portal can only stream games from the PS5, but this new device will be able to run games on its own without a PS5. It is being designed to compete with handhelds like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck.
Possible specifications of the handheld:
- Use of a 3nm system-on-chip (SoC), which will be energy efficient.
- 15W power draw, which is on par with the Steam Deck.
- Less powerful than the PS5, but better than the Xbox Series S.
- Backward compatibility, meaning PS5 games will be able to run on it.
It will cost more than the PlayStation Portal ($200), as it will be a full-fledged handheld console.
Fans’ reaction to the handheld
Some gamers feel that Sony should return to the handheld market, especially remembering the days of the PSP and PS Vita. A user on Twitter @SacrificAbomin1 wrote, “Sony should make a good handheld console instead of live service games.”
However, some people fear whether Sony will be able to provide an exclusive games library like Nintendo. If this device is limited to running only PS5 games, its demand may decrease.
Challenges and future prospects
- The price can be a big obstacle, especially in a market like India where gaming consoles are already expensive.
- The simultaneous launch of PS6 and handheld can create confusion in the market.
- Competition with Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox handheld will be difficult.
Conclusion
There has been no official announcement yet regarding PS6 and new PlayStation handheld, but according to leaks and analysts, Sony can launch them by 2027-28. PS6 will focus on AI and machine learning features, while the handheld console aims to make a comeback in the portable gaming market. However, factors like price and availability of games will determine their success.
If you are waiting for PS6 or a new handheld, keep an eye on Sony’s official announcements. Will these consoles revolutionize the gaming industry? Only time will tell!
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