A new PlayStation handheld is allegedly in the works, which suggests that Sony may be returning to the handheld sector. The speculation is based on Sony’s collaboration with AMD to create a custom APU (Accelerated Processing Unit). Although the specific purpose of this APU remains undisclosed, insiders hint at the possibility of it being utilized for a new PlayStation handheld or Vita 2. Remarkably, this handheld device is anticipated to offer compatibility with both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games.
Sony Is Reportedly Working On A New PlayStation Handheld, Compatible With PS4/PS5 Titles
According to insights shared in a YouTube video by Moore’s Law is Dead, Sony seems to be planning a return to the handheld gaming sector by introducing fresh hardware. The report claims that Sony is now in the early phases of creating a new handheld PlayStation device powered by AMD. The console, which hasn’t been given the go-ahead for potential release yet and is now in the High-Level Design Phase, will run on a customized AMD APU and will be released at least two years from now.
Although the specifications for this upcoming PlayStation handheld are unknown, Moore’s Law is Dead predicts that it will probably use 18 CUs in order to remain compatible with every PlayStation 4 game that is currently available on the PlayStation Store. Furthermore, PlayStation 5 games will also work with the handheld, however, Sony would need to apply patches to ensure appropriate console functionality.
Regarding the PS5 games, the YouTuber believes that the device would employ a variation of the PS5, perhaps with the same amount of RAM, but with half as many CUs as the PS5, rather than the same UI as the PS4. Consequently, not all PS5 games would function seamlessly on the device unless they received specific “handheld patches” due to the GPU’s clock speeds running at 1.8 GHz or lower, in contrast to the PS5’s clock speeds.
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While the potential release of the new PlayStation handheld is estimated to be within two years, there remains the possibility of delays, especially if it is greenlit as part of the PlayStation 6 family. Moore’s Law is Dead speculates that this handheld might serve as a Japanese market alternative within the next-generation console family alongside the PS6, offering a comparatively weaker performance.
The YouTuber indicates awareness of AMD’s contract with Sony for the PS6, further conjecturing that the handheld could be part of PlayStation’s next-gen console lineup, potentially launching in the Japanese market with its distinct performance characteristics.
Commenting on the same matter, Tom Henderson says that he has not heard of this yet. However, the insider says, “but my two cents here is that given the increasing popularity of the handheld market as of late, this is probably one of the best-educated guesses that you can make in terms of PlayStation tech. I bet Xbox is looking into it, too!”
Considering the gaming market’s transformed landscape since the PlayStation Vita’s days, the prospect of Sony re-entering the handheld sector seems plausible. Devices like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck have demonstrated a demand for similar gaming systems, making it conceivable for Sony to reintroduce a handheld system that could surpass the Vita, particularly if it offers compatibility with home console titles.
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If these speculations materialize, the new PlayStation handheld could emerge as a viable competitor to Nintendo’s latest Switch. However, it is essential to approach this information with cautious optimism, awaiting an official confirmation to determine if the Vita will indeed experience a revival.
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