Sony's hypothetical move to limit PS5's performance could potentially prove to be smart - discover the reasons behind this intriguing speculation.
Ready to kick back and scarf those PlayStation performance rumors like a bag of chips? Fear not, 'cause it ain't as dire as it seems.
Last week, it was going 'round like wildfire that Sony is eyeballs-deep in a new "low energy" mode for their next-gen consoles—the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. It's easy to see why these whispers might spook PlayStation fans, but hold your horses. This "downgrade" could just be a hint at something more sideline-shaking: the PlayStation 6 handheld.
As we've already spilled the beans on, the PlayStation 6 might come with a companion on the home console front. Gotta catch 'em all!
Thanks to Moore's Law is Dead's initial report and some intel from veteran AMD leaker KeplerL2, we've got more insight on the AMD APU that'll fuel the rumored PlayStation handheld. And let me tell you, this beefed-up APU packs some edge.
The PlayStation 6 handheld is rumored to get its pump from an upcoming AMD APU, fitted with AI upscaling chops, 16GB of DDR5 ram, and a whopping 4MB of L2 cache and 16MB of MALL cache on the APU's graphics tile.
The unnamed AMD APU is believed to be rooted in the gfx13 (RDNA5/UDNA) architecture. That's right, the next level of AMD architecture, friendletics. Sounds like the PlayStation 6 handheld's fall 2027 arrival timeline matches remarkably well with the generation of the new AMD APU.
Now, you might be wondering: "What does this mean, Madeline?" Let me break it down: While the PS5 and PS5 Pro's AMD APU provides 4MB of L2 cache and no MALL cache, the PS6 handheld's notable graphics power boost comes from the 16MB MALL cache, which slashes the need for an expansive memory bandwidth on a GPU. Bottom line: The PS6 handheld wields more might, despite its leaner memory bandwidth specs.
The initial specs don't tip the Samsung Ryzen AI Z2 lineup, opting instead for a next-gen chipset.
Although there's no definite release date for the PlayStation 6 handheld, whispers put it as early as 2028.[4] The console itself is rumored to drop as soon as fall 2027.[3][5] As they say in the cryptozoology world, "speculative until confirmed."
It might end up going the Microsoft route and ditching its proprietary handheld, but Sony's past with handhelds is living—make no mistake. Cross your fingers for another Sony handheld run!
- The PlayStation 6 handheld could be a game-changer, rumored to feature an AMD APU with AI upscaling capabilities, 16GB of DDR5 ram, and a considerable 4MB L2 cache and 16MB MALL cache on its graphics tile.
- The unnamed AMD APU is expected to be based on the gfx13 (RDNA5/UDNA) architecture, marking a significant leap in AMD technology.
- Unlike the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, the PS6 handheld's graphics power boost comes from the 16MB MALL cache, which reduces the need for an expansive memory bandwidth on a GPU, potentially leading to a more efficient gaming performance.
- While there's no confirmed release date for the PlayStation 6 handheld, whispers suggest an arrival as early as 2028, with the console itself rumored to drop as soon as fall 2027.
- Despite the absence of solid information, the prospect of another Sony handheld remains exciting in the realm of gadgets and technology.
