We’re now nearly five years into the current console generation for both Sony and Microsoft, so rumors about their next hardware are naturally intensifying. The latest buzz involves an alleged PlayStation 6 handheld, which, if true, could rival the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
The YouTube channel Moore’s Law Is Dead recently shared details about this rumored PS6 handheld, claiming it will be dockable and backward compatible with PS4 and PS5 games. The channel also mentioned specs like a 16 Compute Unit RDNA 5 GPU running at 1.20 GHz in handheld mode and 1.65 GHz when docked. According to the leak, the PS6 handheld would be priced significantly lower than the upcoming Xbox Ally X, which launches October 16, although Microsoft hasn’t revealed its price yet.
There’s also talk of a PS6S model, possibly a less powerful, more affordable version, similar to how the Xbox Series S relates to the Series X. Moore’s Law Is Dead’s estimated price ranges are $299-$399 for the PS6S, $399-$499 for the handheld, and $549-$699 for the base PS6, with a possible release in fall 2027. This would place the PS6 handheld in direct competition with the Nintendo Switch 2.
Sony executives have hinted at next-gen consoles being developed, but details remain scarce. In a recent interview, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino emphasized the continued importance of consoles alongside cloud gaming, stating that most players prefer local gameplay without relying on network conditions.
Sony’s past console development timeline suggests that PS6 has likely been in development for years, possibly even since the PS5’s launch in 2020. The PlayStation Portal and other recent moves indicate Sony is moving toward handheld gaming options.
Meanwhile, former SIE Worldwide Studios CEO Shawn Layden expressed skepticism that Sony would launch an all-digital PS6, given the company’s global market and the challenges of disc-less gaming in some regions.
Lastly, reports indicate AMD secured the PS6 chip contract over Intel in 2022, reinforcing the likelihood of a 2027 release, alongside major upcoming titles like Kojima’s Physint and The Witcher 4.
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