According to recent leaks, Sony's upcoming PS6 handheld, codenamed "Canis," marks the end of compact, pocket-sized consoles. The hardware reportedly relies on an efficient AMD architecture and a form factor clearly inspired by Nintendo's offerings.
The era of ultra-portable devices like the PlayStation Vita or the PSP is over. According to insider Moore's Law Is Dead, Sony will follow the current market trend towards larger handheld systems. While the PSP was designed to fit in a pocket, the PS6 handheld will likely be designed for backpacks or carrying cases.
Farewell to the pocket-sized format
This assessment is based on the observation that users are willing to accept larger casings in exchange for more power, larger displays, and longer battery life. The dimensions of the Nintendo Switch, or alternatively the PlayStation Portal, are cited as a reference point for the new Sony device.
In the current podcast, the design concept is described as a functional standard. The leak suggests a display in the range of 8 inches. The speculation about detachable controllers is particularly interesting. Sony could be pursuing a concept similar to that of the Nintendo Switch or the Lenovo Legion Go. The advantages are obvious: easier repairs in case of stick drift, the ability to use controllers separately, and improved ergonomics thanks to grips that could visually resemble a "mini version" of the DualSense controller.
The technology: 15-watt TDP and Zen 6 cores
Under the hood, a specially optimized AMD architecture is said to be at work. Internal documents allegedly point to a Chip with a total of six CPU cores there:
- 2 Zen 6 low-power cores
- 4 Zen-6 C cores
The goal is a balance between efficiency and performance. The thermal design power (TDP) is specified at 15 watts. For comparison, the Nintendo Switch 2 consumes between 17 and 20 watts in docked mode. This would place the PS6 handheld in a similar energy class, while supporting modern PS6 features and the same software base as the home console. Functionally, the device is positioned as a "portable PS6."
The speculated specifications outline a modern handheld that bridges the gap to the next generation of consoles. With a 15-watt TDP and Zen 6 architecture, the focus is on efficiency rather than raw power. Foregoing a compact design in favor of an 8-inch screen would therefore be the logical consequence of the success of the Steam Deck and Switch.
The leaks for the PS handheld always read like the wet dreams of PS fanboys. I'll believe it when I see it.