A new leak has revealed details about Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 6 handheld console, codenamed Canis. According to content creator Moore’s Law is Dead, the device will be a dockable hybrid system similar to the Nintendo Switch, but with enough power to rival, and in some cases surpass the PS5.
You can take a look at the video here if you are interested in all the details:
A Portable PS6 With a 3nm APU
At the heart of the system is an AMD APU built on TSMC’s 3nm process, with a compact ~135mm² die. The CPU will combine four Zen 6 performance cores with two low-power Zen 6 cores, that are dedicated to background tasks and the operating system. This setup should manage to frees up around 20% extra performance for games compared to the PS5’s Zen 2 system.
The GPU has 16 RDNA 5 compute units, that are said to be up to 60% faster per CU than the PS5’s RDNA 2 design. On top of that, native FSR4 support could double efficiency in optimized titles.
Memory, Power, and Performance
The handheld uses a 192-bit LPDDR5X memory bus that runs up to 8533 MT/s. Sony will add at least 24GB of RAM, but many developers are apparently pushing for 36-48GB to handle demanding next-gen features like ray tracing and AI.
As always, the performance will scale depending on the mode:
- Handheld mode:
- Expect GPU around 1.2GHz, and it should run at 1080p with 60/120Hz support.
- Docked mode:
- Expect a GPU boosts up to 1.65GHz, reaching 50-75% of the PS5’s rasterization and up to 2.6x the PS5’s ray tracing performance. If the games are properly optimized, this could match or even exceed the PS5.
Dockable Hybrid Strategy
Yes, you read that right! The biggest reveal is the dockable design!
Basically, this means you can “dock” the PS6 Handheld console and plug it to your TV or to a screen. The handheld will then transforms into a living-room console. Much like the Nintendo Switch, but with PS5-level capabilities, if not better.
This would make the PS6 handheld a “low-cost” entry point for PS4 owners who have not yet upgraded. Instead of buying a full PS5 or waiting for the high-end PS6 (codename Orion), you could get a next-gen gaming console with this hybrid device.
Pricing and Release Window
Thanks to the improved yields on 3nm and lower memory costs compared to 2020, the PS6 handheld could be surprisingly affordable. Estimations suggest a price in the $300-$400 range. And that is really competitive with the Switch 2 and rumored Steam Deck 2.
Production is reportedly set for mid-2027, with a Fall 2027 release window.
The Bigger Picture
Sony’s long-term plan seems clear. They want to phase out the PS5 and move its audience forward with new hardware at a reasonable price. With PS5-class power in handheld form, plus superior ray tracing and AI features, Canis could become the most significant PlayStation handheld since the PSP.
If these leaks hold true, Sony might not just be competing with Nintendo’s Switch 2, it could be aiming to redefine what a next-gen console looks like.
We will be following the PlayStation 6 closely, so check back for the latest updates!
