Sony PlayStation 6: Upcoming Console to Feature 4K Resolution, Ray Tracing, and Lower Price Point

Sony's upcoming PlayStation 6 console is reportedly set to offer significant performance improvements over the PS5 and PS5 Pro. The console is expected to deliver 4K resolution at 120 frames per second with ray tracing enabled, while its price point is anticipated to be lower than the PS5 Pro. Additionally, the company is working on a handheld gaming device. The PS6 is expected to have 8x Zen 6 cores, 160W TBP, 40-48+ RDNA 5 Compute Units, and 3x greater rasterisation performance than the PS5.

Sony is reportedly preparing to release its next-generation gaming console, the PlayStation 6 (PS6), which is expected to offer significant performance improvements over the current PS5 and PS5 Pro. According to recent leaks, the PS6 is designed to deliver 4K resolution at 120 frames per second with ray tracing enabled, a substantial upgrade from the PS5's capabilities [1, 2].

The PS6 is rumored to feature an AMD APU codenamed 'Orion,' with 8 Zen 6 cores and between 40 to 48 RDNA 5 Compute Units, clocked up to 3GHz. This configuration is expected to provide triple the rasterization performance of the PS5, significantly enhancing frame rates and visual smoothness [3]. Additionally, the PS6 will utilize GDDR7 video memory, which offers higher bandwidth compared to the GDDR6 used in the PS5 Pro, further boosting performance [4].

The PS6 is also anticipated to deliver improved ray tracing performance, surpassing the PS5 Pro's PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling technology. This upgrade is expected to be integrated into the console in 2026, indicating that the PS6 will likely include these advanced features [3].

In addition to the console, Sony is reportedly developing a handheld gaming device, codenamed 'Canis.' The handheld is expected to feature four Zen 6C cores, between 12 to 20 RDNA 5 Compute Units, and LPDDR5X-7500 memory on a 128-bit bus. It is designed to operate at a 15W TBP, providing impressive performance for a handheld device [1, 2].

The PS6 is rumored to have a price point lower than the PS5 Pro, with production set to start in mid-2027 and a release date anticipated for late 2027 or early 2028. The handheld device is expected to be priced between $400 and $500 and could launch around the same time as the PS6 [1, 2].

Sony is also expected to include backward compatibility with PS5 and PS4, ensuring that users can play games from these previous generations on the new consoles. The company is also reportedly integrating AI features to maintain consistent performance [1, 2].

These rumors provide a glimpse into Sony's plans for its next-generation gaming consoles, offering insights into the potential performance gains and market positioning of the PS6 and the handheld device. However, it is essential to take these leaks with a grain of salt, as the specifications may have changed since the initial leaks in 2023.

References:
[1] https://www.tomsguide.com/gaming/ps6-and-new-playstation-handheld-specs-reportedly-leak-and-suggest-a-huge-upgrade-over-ps5
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-reviews/sony-playstation-6-leaks-may-offer-major-performance-boost-over-ps5-pro-consoles-handheld-125080400466_1.html
[3] https://www.techspot.com/news/108903-playstation-6-leaks-suggest-amd-orion-apu-rdna.html
[4] https://www.tweaktown.com/news/106769/playstation-6-spec-rumor-update-3-faster-than-ps5-lower-power-and-cheaper-the/index.html