Tag: AMD SoC

  • Microsoft Cancels Xbox Handheld Due to AMD Sales Demand

    Microsoft Cancels Xbox Handheld Due to AMD Sales Demand

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft initially planned to create its own dedicated Xbox handheld but abandoned the project due to high demands from AMD.
    2. AMD required Microsoft to commit to producing at least 10 million units for a custom system-on-chip (SoC), which Microsoft deemed too risky.
    3. Industry reactions include skepticism, with some experts rejecting the claims about the scrapped handheld project.
    4. Microsoft is now focusing on a collaboration with Asus for the ROG Xbox Ally, launching on October 16, 2025.
    5. The upcoming ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X will feature advanced specifications, raising questions about Microsoft’s long-term strategy in the handheld gaming market.

    Microsoft’s entry into the handheld gaming market might have looked quite different based on some recent rumors. Instead of the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, insider KeplerL2 has disclosed that Microsoft originally aimed to create its own dedicated Xbox handheld.

    The Scrapped Handheld

    Sadly, this unannounced Xbox handheld was supposedly abandoned during its planning stage because of strict demands from AMD. KeplerL2, known for a strong history in hardware manufacturing discussions, mentioned that Microsoft was in negotiations with AMD to create a custom system-on-chip (SoC) for this device.

    A Risky Commitment

    However, the collaboration fell apart when AMD required Microsoft to commit to producing at least 10 million units to cover the expenses of research and development. This request was deemed too risky by Microsoft, especially considering the moderate sales figures of portable consoles like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.

    KeplerL2 shared in a comprehensive post on NeoGAF:

    > “From what I understand, the handheld was called off because AMD wanted a promise of 10M+ units to make a dedicated SoC, and seeing how Steam Deck managed to sell 5 million units while ASUS ROG/Lenovo Legion only moved 1–2 million, Microsoft didn’t want to take that chance.”

    Industry Reactions

    This insider information has stirred up some discussion among industry experts, particularly Jez Corden, an editor at Windows Central and Xbox reporter, who rejected this assertion on X in response to KeplerL2’s leak, saying, “this isn’t even slightly true, btw.”

    Nonetheless, this denial seems to match with Microsoft’s recent statement about investing in next-gen hardware, including working with AMD on future consoles. Microsoft has openly reiterated its commitment to first-party Xbox hardware, backed by comments from both President Sarah Bond and AMD CEO Lisa Su.

    Future Collaborations

    As we know, Microsoft has shifted its focus to a collaboration with Asus, leading to the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally, a rebranded version of the ROG Ally X tailored for Xbox Game Pass and Windows gaming. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are set to launch on October 16, 2025, and they will boast an enhanced AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, a 7-inch 120Hz 1080p display, and 1TB of SSD storage.

    With the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X on the horizon, and some fortunate users already receiving their pre-orders, experts in the industry are left wondering if this partnership represents a long-term strategy for Microsoft in the handheld gaming space or just a temporary measure in light of changing focuses.

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  • PlayStation 6 Portable to Feature 15W 3nm SoC

    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.

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