(Eurogamer) The first plausible Sony handheld specs leaks emerge - but how capable can it be?

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Strategically cut-back PlayStation 5 gaming looks viable.

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Quietly in the background, plausible technical specifications for Sony's next generation handheld have come to light. Bearing in mind that we're likely years away from release, the plausibility of these specs has to be questioned but at the same time, the source of the leak - KeplerL2 - has proven to be a highly reliable source for all sorts of AMD information. He was also first to corroborate the PlayStation 5 Pro spec leaks and his information turned out to be very, very close to what we received as final hardware. His Sony handheld specs are unusually detailed for a project so far out, but to be fair, they do lack highly important context: the chip at the heart of the machine is built on AMD's new graphics architecture - known by some as UDNA - but nobody quite knows what it is capable of. Therefore, getting a grip on what this machine is capable of will prove challenging.

Based on Kepler's information though, the in-development APU has 16 UDNA compute units and 32 ROPs - similar in configuration terms to the Strix Point processor we'll see this year in the ROG Xbox Ally X and the plethora of Chinese handhelds built on existing versions of the same core processor. There are key differences though - and these could prove crucial.

First of all, as mentioned, the Sony handheld's use of the UDNA architecture gives it a generational leap or two over Strix Point, which is using RDNA 3.5. Secondly, memory bandwidth has historically been a defining limiting factor for AMD handhelds - it's one of the key reasons why Steam Deck continues to measure up fairly well against much more modern AMD-based handhelds. According to Kepler's information, Sony attempts to address this with two improvements: faster LPDDR5X memory (9600MT/s vs 8000MT/s) along with an additional memory cache on the processor itself: 16MB of MALL (Memory Access at Last Level) cache. This will deliver one third of existing PS5 bandwidth, but the MALL plus architectural improvements should make a difference.

Unfortunately, Sony hasn't chosen to use a 256-bit memory interface - the mystery processor described by Kepler uses the same 128-bit interface as current AMD handhelds - but 16GB of memory is mooted for the handheld. That's the same as Steam Deck, but more pertinently, the same as PlayStation 5. Beyond that, it's suggested that the processor is fabricated on TSMC's 3nm process. That's very expensive for now, but likely to be more affordable for a console manufacturer a few years down the road.

If this sounds like an amped version of the Z2 Extreme found within the ROG Xbox Ally X, Kepler begs to differ, suggesting that the new graphics architecture within the handheld has "way way way higher perf/CU". The 3nm process should also offer density and efficiency advantages over Z2 Extreme. Combined with further leaks that development PlayStation 5 hardware is receiving a mode with reduced bandwidth, the implication is that game makers will be able to unify their PS5 game development to support the new handheld and to start work on this sooner rather than later, using existing console dev kits.

There is another benefit for this handheld over all others - the UDNA architecture, said to a be a unification of AMD CDNA and RDNA graphics (though Kepler refers to it as just CDNA 5) should, in theory, be the only handheld using Radeon graphics to support AI upscaling, such as FSR4 or Sony's homegrown alternative, PSSR. Assuming a 1080p screen, this could be a highly useful feature to have, especially bearing in mind some of the results we've seen from DLSS on Nintendo Switch 2.

Right now, it's extremely difficult to come up with any kind of projected performance level for the handheld, but the mooted "reduced bandwidth" mode for PS5 dev kits would seem to suggest that Sony intends for the handheld to run current generation software, almost certainly at lower resolutions and/or lower frame-rates. This sounds somewhat like Sony's own take on the Series S, the difference being that we'd expect to see the handheld arrive in close proximity to Sony's actual next generation console - the PlayStation 6. You'd imagine that the platform holder would also be looking at the handheld to run variants of PS6 software too. This may sound optimistic but PS6 will be using the same architecture, leaning heavily into machine learning features, which the handheld should support.

Where this leaves the competitive landscape remains unclear. Kepler believes that the upcoming Z2 Extreme found within the ROG Xbox Ally X will be AMD's last major handheld processor for some time, with nothing using UDNA on the current roadmap. Meanwhile, reports continue to suggest that Microsoft has left the conversation - it will rely on third party companies to create devices instead, like the Ally X. However, Valve continues to bide its time until an actual generational leap in mobile hardware is available for a potential Steam Deck 2 - and there's no reason it couldn't tap into the same AMD technologies as Sony. Perhaps the UDNA architecture is the way forward?

Meanwhile, based on the remarkable efficiency seen on the Switch 2, I wouldn't count out Nvidia in delivering a highly potent PC handheld - assuming x86 to ARM CPU performance is on point. Intel, too, shows promise based on the performance of the Lunar Lake-based chip in the MSI Claw 8 AI+. I'm looking forward to seeing the competitive landscape shift - and the sooner we learn more about UDNA, the better. After all, it's likely to form the basis of the next generation console hardware created by both Microsoft and Sony - and therefore the same technology that Xbox reckons will deliver "the biggest technological leap ever in a generation".

 
It's been years since a PlayStation portable, the gaming world is in a different position now, Switch at the core is a handheld, and things are going well for that.
 
It's been years since a PlayStation portable, the gaming world is in a different position now, Switch at the core is a handheld, and things are going well for that.
First post nailed it.

How will the dock work. Is this a hybrid or a dedicated handheld? If hybrid can I buy this instead of PS6? XSS hurt Xbox and the industry, or so they say.

Nintendo unified development while already spending very little relatively. Sony now wants to complicate their game development for the foreseeable future with multiple skus of the same game when they already have bloated budgets.

If there is no dock, then the system is basically a crappy version of the market leaders that are missing the biggest selling point. Not gonna work, this is folly. Gotta go big or go home. The next handheld IS the PS6. That would be the level of dedication needed to make this work. That is the exact same path Nintendo took. It is not worth all this if you are just dipping your toes in for extra revenue. The market will smell the poor effort. Also this will be a Playstation and require you to invest in the Playstation. So it will only sell to people who already own a playstation. There is a limit to how successful it can be but also no limit on how much extra work this could cause Sony.

If they are going to do this at least make it cheap like a portal(which I love), instead of creating a giant expensive albatross with 16 gb of ram and the power of the PS6.
 
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You sure about that? I guess we'll see. I bet a lot of people would love a device like this. Especially in Japan.

You seen the form factor of this "leaked image"? Japan have long since moved on from playstation.

Nobody with at least half a braincell wants this, it would end up being a huge own goal from Sony considering the game development environment advantage they've had this generation.
 
, it would end up being a huge own goal from Sony considering the game development environment advantage they've had this generation.
There is really no advantage. All 3rd parties are used to Series S and Steam Deck. Sony 1st party while great looking graphically isn't really looking better than Unreal 5 stuff.
 
There is really no advantage. All 3rd parties are used to Series S and Steam Deck. Sony 1st party while great looking graphically isn't really looking better than Unreal 5 stuff.

Considering the fact that you've thrown the Steam deck in there with the Series S proves you have no idea what you're talking about.

There is no mandate to get PC games (or games sold on Steam) working well on the Steam deck. The Steam deck literally runs standard PC games and the developers might take the time to create a steam deck configuration in the settings menu, that's about it.

On the other hand the Series S is a requirement for all developers who decide they want to release a game for current generation Xbox consoles.
 
I think it be as capable as the series s. Since it's gonna be based on amd strix woth cdna5 and more of a capable gpu to boot aswell as rumoured ram speed of 9600mt will certainly help. Also would it be the first handheld to support pssr2 or fsr4? Will boost its graphical output from a lower resolution?
 
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On the other hand the Series S is a requirement for all developers who decide they want to release a game for current generation Xbox consoles.
So? The best looking PC games at the high end have a Series S version. Cyberpunk, Indiana Jones, Hellblade 2, pretty much every AAA game there is.
 
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Why not just keep evolving the PS Portal tech, make it excellent in the Portal 2 and release it at a very competitive price?

As the Portal is just a streaming machine it would be a heck of a lot and more straightforward to just do a new version.
 
Interesting article by Digital Foundry here. I'm especially curious what chip they end up using (and also whether or not the handheld will be ARM; it doesn't seem like it would be).

Why not just keep evolving the PS Portal tech, make it excellent in the Portal 2 and release it at a very competitive price?

As the Portal is just a streaming machine it would be a heck of a lot and more straightforward to just do a new version.
Because the market has spoken, and native compatibility for your portable is a lot more desirable than streaming-only?
 
It's been years since a PlayStation portable, the gaming world is in a different position now, Switch at the core is a handheld, and things are going well for that.
But Nintendo focuses on one device. Sony will need to focus on two, and the PS5's input situation is already awful.
 
But Nintendo focuses on one device. Sony will need to focus on two, and the PS5's input situation is already awful.
I'm confused about every part of this

Why will Sony need to focus on two devices with a unified library? What's wrong with the PS5 input situation? How would this make it worse?
 
Don't advanced settings help those "pc-handhelds" overcome obvious hardware constraints? You can manually downgrade everything to achieve certain performance.

But how will it work on the portable PlayStation? The current PS5 games are often far from perfect and on the PSP they will run even worse leaving no room for adjusting performance.
 
Because the market has spoken, and native compatibility for your portable is a lot more desirable than streaming-only?
By all accounts PS Portal is far more successful than they thought it would be.

It's also cheap an a natural extension to the PS5 instead of being a potential alternative/competitor. A PS5 owner is much more likely to drop $200 to get the Portal than $500+ to get the native one.
 
You seen the form factor of this "leaked image"? Japan have long since moved on from playstation.

Nobody with at least half a braincell wants this, it would end up being a huge own goal from Sony considering the game development environment advantage they've had this generation.

You'd be right, "IF" Sony forces everyone to make PS6 games on this handheld. Otherwise.............it's a GREAT idea!
 
Another Series S situation is something only Xbox fans would wish for.
The failure of Series S is that it's not even that much cheaper than a PS5 digital. It's close to the price of a new game for a 3X gap in performance; It never made much sense. A handheld at least targets a different use case.
 
I think it be as capable as the series s. Since it's gonna be based on amd strix the udna and more of a capable gpu aswell as rumoured ram speed of 9600mt will certainly help. Also would it be the first handheld to support pssr2 or fsr4? Will boost its graphical output from a lower resolution?

It should be "MORE" capable than the Series S all things considered.
 
By all accounts PS Portal is far more successful than they thought it would be.
Being more successful than they thought it would be does not make it as successful as it could be as a true native device.

It's also cheap an a natural extension to the PS5 instead of being a potential alternative/competitor. A PS5 owner is much more likely to drop $200 to get the Portal than $500+ to get the native one.
This is true, I imagine Sony will have bundles and deals to sell the portable with the PS6, but mostly I imagine they want it for markets where portables have a better chance at success than a home console.

And that's another reason you want to be native; the Portal is fantastic, but its streaming only nature also prohibits it from being sold in a lot of markets.
 
Interesting article by Digital Foundry here. I'm especially curious what chip they end up using (and also whether or not the handheld will be ARM; it doesn't seem like it would be).


Because the market has spoken, and native compatibility for your portable is a lot more desirable than streaming-only?

The market has spoken that it loves Switch and Nintendo.

But that doesn't mean its going to translate over the Playstation where the audience is very different and be a success.

So overall I still think going all in on a Portal 2 that is just better in every way over the 1st iteration, cheaper and can play all PS4/5/6 games without any extra work from the devs to be a wiser move.

They have a good foundation with the Portal 1 to build and improve on.
 
The failure of Series S is that it's not even that much cheaper than a PS5 digital. It's close to the price of a new game for a 3X gap in performance; It never made much sense. A handheld at least targets a different use case.
Series S also uses ~60-80W of power in game usage, FAR higher than any handheld device can sustain. This device would have to use very advanced manufacturing and handheld chipsets to be even baseline functional, which means $$$$$.

I really don't get it. The gap is too large between this and PS5, let alone this and PS6. If this thing is targeted "gimped PS5", what happens when PS6 comes out? All it would do is extend out the PS5 generation indefinitely. Does Sony want that? I would imagine they prefer people buy new hardware. This seems like it is coming out wayyyy too late to be viable.
This is true, I imagine Sony will have bundles and deals to sell the portable with the PS6, but mostly I imagine they want it for markets where portables have a better chance at success than a home console.
I can't think of any market where that is the case and these high powered handhelds are niche devices.
 
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So? The best looking PC games at the high end have a Series S version. Cyberpunk, Indiana Jones, Hellblade 2, pretty much every AAA game there is.

Yeh, and they all run like absolute crap comparatively. It makes zero sense to argue in favour of a split SKU platform given everything that's happened across the course of this generation:
Just depends on the forced feature parity or lack thereof

Frankly, if they force parity with the PS5 or even the PS6 then they are idiots.
 
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If this is accurate I don't understand what they're targeting. A PS5 handheld that releases near PS6? I think this means PS6 could be a seamless gen, like PS5 Pro Pro or something. Will this get its own games or PS5 and 6 games? I think Portal was the better idea. Fit the platform better.
 
Yeh, and they all run like absolute crap comparatively. It makes zero sense to argue in favour of a split SKU platform given everything that's happened across the course of this generation:
The future will be two SKUs because the main console will cost $800.
 
Frankly, if they force parity with the PS5 or even the PS6 then they are idiots.
We already know they are idiots. They will do it because they copy everyone. And they want to expand and make more money.

As for parity, this is a PS5 device. I dont think it has anything to do with PS6. Its really too late to mandate parity. Every game already on PS5 isn't required to do anything. Mandating it at the beginning of the gen would be the only way.
 
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If this is accurate I don't understand what they're targeting. A PS5 handheld that releases near PS6? I think this means PS6 could be a seamless gen, like PS5 Pro Pro or something. Will this get its own games or PS5 and 6 games? I think Portal was the better idea. Fit the platform better.
This sounds somewhat like Sony's own take on the Series S, the difference being that we'd expect to see the handheld arrive in close proximity to Sony's actual next generation console - the PlayStation 6. You'd imagine that the platform holder would also be looking at the handheld to run variants of PS6 software too. This may sound optimistic but PS6 will be using the same architecture, leaning heavily into machine learning features, which the handheld should support.
This is true, I imagine Sony will have bundles and deals to sell the portable with the PS6
Not happening, that's just bundling a PS6 with another PS6. To Sony there will be no difference between buying the home and handheld console as long as you're buying a PS6.
 
The future will be two SKUs because the main console will cost $800.

That's not a reason to create 2 SKUs.

Nintendo have just released a console that's far more expensive than anyone anticipated and it's the fastest selling console of all time.

Price alone does not dictate how well something sells, and if you create something cheaper just because you don't think enough people are going to purchase the product you originally intended to sell, then you are only undermining your own product.

We already know they are idiots. They will do it because they copy everyone. And they want to expand and make more money.

Oh you wish.
 
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I'm curious about the PS6 console details, according to Keplar the design has already been finalized, just a ticking time bomb until something spills.
 
I'm confused about every part of this

Why will Sony need to focus on two devices with a unified library? What's wrong with the PS5 input situation? How would this make it worse?
Becuase it is dedicated handheld. A separate piece of hardware from the PS5. Unlike the Switch hybrid.
 
They always do this. They copy Nintendo. They copy Xbox. They will try it in some form. There's a lot of smoke around these handheld rumors.

So you're sat there hoping they copy one of the biggest strategic blunders from a console manufacturer in recent years?
 
Sonys future hardware plans sounds messy. Hard to see how it all comes together in a cohesive way. I think a hybrid would be a better idea but I know their core base would implode on themselves.
 
Series S also uses ~60-80W of power in game usage, FAR higher than any handheld device can sustain. This device would have to use very advanced manufacturing and handheld chipsets to be even baseline functional, which means $$$$$.

I really don't get it. The gap is too large between this and PS5, let alone this and PS6. If this thing is targeted "gimped PS5", what happens when PS6 comes out? All it would do is extend out the PS5 generation indefinitely. Does Sony want that? I would imagine they prefer people buy new hardware. This seems like it is coming out wayyyy too late to be viable.

I can't think of any market where that is the case and these high powered handhelds are niche devices.
Yes. Or rather, they don't mind. For Sony the only metric that matters at this point is PS users. Doesn't matter if it's a PS4, PS5, PS6, or PSPortable. They are all buying from the same games/microtransactions from the same PS store, buying the same subscriptions, buying the same retail games, etc.

This will also be true for Nintendo moving forward, i.e. they are not going to be under any pressure to move people over from Switch 2 to Switch 3. It will be a single unified ecosystem and MAU will be the only relevant metric for their user base. This isn't like the past where Sony was simultaneously selling PS2, PS3, and PSP, or PS4 and Vita, that were all completely separate ecosystems from one another. Or like Nintendo with the Wii and DS lines.
 
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Sonys future hardware plans sounds messy. Hard to see how it all comes together in a cohesive way. I think a hybrid would be a better idea but I know their core base would implode on themselves.
That would be worth it for the reaction on here alone.
 
So you're sat there hoping they copy one of the biggest strategic blunders from a console manufacturer in recent years?
No. It doesn't affect me at all. I'm not getting it. I just am being consistent. I never thought Series S was a strategic blunder in any way. If you didn't check GAF or Digital Foundry all you'd know is that its a great way to get into this gen cheap and it lived up to its promise. Everything is on there but 1 split screen mode from a game not even truly optimized on PC. In addition to it being the right call back then, its even more right now. Hardware prices don't drop anymore so your only savings are to plan it at the beginning just like this. They practically have to do that or else only have a $700 PS6 as the only option. And then you can take all the S versions you mandated and get them to be ported to a handheld later at the end of the gen. Sony was late to this but are doing it now because it was always the smart call.
 
No. It doesn't affect me at all. I'm not getting it. I just am being consistent. I never thought Series S was a strategic blunder in any way. If you didn't check GAF or Digital Foundry all you'd know is that its a great way to get into this gen cheap and it lived up to its promise. Everything is on there but 1 split screen mode from a game not even truly optimized on PC. In addition to it being the right call back then, its even more right now. Hardware prices don't drop anymore so your only savings are to plan it at the beginning just like this. They practically have to do that or else only have a $700 PS6 as the only option. And then you can take all the S versions you mandated and get them to be ported to a handheld later at the end of the gen. Sony was late to this but are doing it now because it was always the smart call.

Considering the fact that the Series S now costs about the same as a base PS5 nothing you're saying makes any sense.
 
Considering the fact that the Series S now costs about the same as a base PS5 nothing you're saying makes any sense.
The S was the cheapest way to play this gen for years. MS is phasing out these systems, ending subsidy strategy and adjusting for tariffs so you're really just deflecting and changing the subject.
 
Yes. Or rather, they don't mind. For Sony the only metric that matters at this point is PS users. Doesn't matter if it's a PS4, PS5, PS6, or PSPortable. They are all buying from the same PS store and the same subscriptions, etc.

This will also be true for Nintendo moving forward, i.e. they are not going to be under any pressure to move people over from Switch 2 to Switch 3. It will be a single unified ecosystem. This isn't like the past where Sony was simultaneously selling PS2, PS3, and PSP, or PS4 and Vita, that were all completely separate from one another. Or Nintendo with the Wii and DS lines.
Exactly my thoughts, this is not 2006 when Sony was busy supporting the PS2, PS3 and PSP, each with their own exclusives. A Gran Turismo 8 in late 2027 will be released across PS5, PS6 AND PS6P.
SCEI-2006.png
 
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Exactly my thoughts, this is not 2006 when Sony was busy supporting the PS2, PS3 and PSP, each with their own exclusives. A Gran Turismo 8 in late 2027 will be released across PS5, PS6 AND PS6P.
SCEI-2006.png

That kind of sounds like a nightmare to me. I'd rather have a portable that can play PS5 and older and can be connected to my tv. I don't want my new games having to be designed for three different SKUs.
 
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