Two different chipsets are reportedly being developed for the PlayStation 6, which might mean that there will be a second console that releases alongside the next-generation device, according to a reliable source. This adds further weight to the fervent rumors of a new PlayStation handheld, which, if accurate, would be released alongside the PS6.

At best, the PS6 will not be released for some years, but speculation about the console's development has already started to circulate. Sony was aiming for a 2027–2028 launch window for its next-generation console, according to court documents from Microsoft's legal proceedings to acquire Activision Blizzard in 2023. A more recent report claimed that Sony signed an agreement with AMD back in 2022 to design and manufacture the PS6's chipset in order to maintain backwards compatibility. Thus, it's evident that work on the PS5 successor is moving forward at full speed, but it looks like Sony may have more hardware in store.

In recent months, there have been increasing rumors about a new PlayStation handheld. According to a fresh tip from reliable hardware insider KeplerL2, this legendary handheld might be released at the same time as the PS6. It was said by KeplerL2 in a NeoGAF forum discussion discussing price predictions for the PS6 that two distinct SoCs (System-on-a-Chip) are being developed for Sony's upcoming system. The insider stated that one of them will "probably" be reasonably priced, although they are unsure if this suggests a "Series X/S situation" or a home console and portable combo.

"Affordable" PS6 SoC For Next-Gen Handheld Console May Be Developed By Sony

Since some game developers have criticized the entry-level Xbox, it appears highly unlikely that Sony will follow the Series S model and release a less powerful, less expensive next-generation console. The Xbox debut of Baldur's Gate 3, the 2023 Game of the Year winner, was delayed due to issues with Series S optimization. Since the PlayStation 4, Sony has remained developer-friendly, thus the idea of a low-cost PS6 seems unlikely. Conversely, handheld gaming consoles have experienced a meteoric rise in popularity in the wake of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.

The likelihood of a new PlayStation handheld is beginning to seem more plausible in light of claims that Sony is also closely monitoring the handheld sector. But in the end, they are just rumors, so proceed with a fair amount of caution. But given that the Nintendo Switch 2 maintains the portable design of its predecessor, Valve teases a possible Steam Deck replacement, and Microsoft is reportedly developing a next-generation Xbox handheld, it is certain that PlayStation will return to the handheld market.