PS5 Pro just released, and leaks already surround the PlayStation 6 (PS6) and Sony’s next-gen PSP. According to a reliable Chinese hardware leaker, Sony will use AMD again for both the PlayStation 6 (PS6) and the upcoming PS6 handheld. This makes sense since Sony relied on AMD since the PS4 era, and in 2022, Reuters reported that Intel lost a $30 billion contract to AMD for the PS6 chips.

The leaker also mentions the PS6 adopting uDNA, AMD’s follow-up to RDNA 4, currently used by the PS5 Pro. Announced in September, uDNA merges RDNA with CDNA, bringing dedicated AI acceleration units and enabling developers to implement AI-powered features in games. AI’s role in game creation grows fast, and uDNA will let the PS6 tap into generative AI to produce entire game worlds dynamically. uDNA arrives in Q2 2026, aligning with the PS6’s rumored launch. Sony and AMD remain undecided on Zen 4 or Zen 5 for the CPU, but either will feel outdated by release.

Release Timeline and Market Position (PlayStation 6 )
The PS6 won’t arrive soon. Leaked Microsoft documents revealed an expected 2028 launch for both PS6 and the next Xbox. While distant, it lines up perfectly with past launch patterns. Many AAA games still release on PS4, preventing developers from fully leveraging PS5 hardware, let alone the PS5 Pro. A longer gap until the PS6 may help ensure a substantial generational jump.

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The Upcoming PS Portable Console
Focus shifts to the PS6 portable. The PlayStation Portal initially faced backlash, yet it proved more successful than expected. Sony updates now allow playing PS5 games via the cloud without owning a PS5. Sony watches the handheld market closely. Bloomberg reports Sony working on a handheld to rival the Nintendo Switch, running PS5 games natively. This implies two PS6 SKUs: one high-end console and one portable model with lower resolution and graphics, perfect as a more affordable entry into the ecosystem. Handhelds grow powerful, and dedicated graphics modes may emerge for portable play.

PlayStation executives mention focusing on more than graphics. Shawn Layden noted that consoles approach final graphical limits, and Sony’s Hideaki Nishino suggests looking beyond raw power. Features like SSD advancements, 3D audio, and DualSense haptics define the new experience. A PS6 handheld fits this vision, serving as a sales booster in a maturing market. The PS5’s initial explosive sales slowed, prompting Sony’s expansions into PC releases, Inzone accessories, and the PS5 Pro. Another device could bring fresh interest.

The handheld market thrives. The Nintendo Switch started this wave, followed by Steam Deck and a flood of Windows handhelds. Major manufacturers join this space. With the Switch 2 on the horizon, handheld popularity will soar. Even Microsoft contemplates a handheld, likely leveraging Game Pass. By PS6’s arrival, handheld performance will improve drastically. The PS6 portable’s key edge: exclusive PS5 and PS6 games on day one without streaming. Cloud options will still exist, alongside tight PS6 integration. The PSP and PS Vita offered remote play and cross-compatibility, so expect similar features. A PS6 portable provides a cheaper gateway into Sony’s ecosystem and offers portability to those who already own a PS6.