PlayStation 6 Portable to Feature 15W 3nm SoC

Key Takeaways

1. A new handheld PlayStation device is expected to launch alongside the PlayStation 6, though details remain unclear.
2. The current PlayStation handheld option, the PlayStation Portal, cannot run games natively, making the PS Vita the last true handheld console from Sony.
3. The rumored PS6 handheld may feature a 3nm-based 15W SoC from AMD, which raises concerns about its power to run PS5 games natively.
4. The SoC design is reportedly complete and moving into the pre-silicon validation phase, with an expected A0 tapeout by late 2025.
5. A potential launch for the PS6 and its handheld could occur around 2027, based on recent leaks and reports.

A handheld PlayStation device has been talked about for some time now. It’s expected to launch together with the PlayStation 6, which remains quite unclear at this point. Nevertheless, a leak from last month that didn’t get much attention suggests the system-on-chip (SoC) that is purportedly going to power the rumored PS6 handheld, and it doesn’t look overly powerful, even with assertions that it could run PS5 games natively.

Current PlayStation Handheld Options

Sony does have a handheld in the PlayStation Portal, but this gadget can’t run games natively, which means a genuine gaming handheld under the PlayStation name still remains the PS Vita from over ten years ago. Since late last year, rumors have circulated about a new PlayStation portable that would be a next-gen console designed to play PS5 games natively.

SoC Details and Concerns

That assertion, however, feels like a bit of a stretch given that the handheld is rumored to be equipped with a 3nm-based 15W SoC from AMD, which might not have the required power for the task. This information comes from the known AMD leaker, Kepler L2, who shared insights on the NeoGAF forums last month. In the leaker’s post, they commented in a thread discussing whether the PS6 portable could match the PS5’s power by 2028.

As of now, there’s no word on when the PS6 handheld or the PS6 itself might be released. However, the same leaker previously indicated that the SoC design is complete and has progressed into the pre-silicon validation phase, with an A0 tapeout expected by late 2025. A report from Wccftech suggests this could hint at a 2027 launch for the PS6 consoles.

Source:
Link