Reliable insiders have revealed exciting details about Sony’s anticipated next-generation handheld console. This device is expected to feature built-in support for AI upscaling, which could enhance gaming visuals significantly. The new PlayStation handheld is rumored to include 16GB of GDDR5X RAM, although it will have less memory bandwidth compared to the base PS5.
The console is likely to be powered by AMD’s upcoming UDNA GPU architecture, which promises improved performance per compute unit compared to existing models. Insiders indicated that this handheld may borrow a prominent feature from the PS5 Pro, reinforcing speculation that Sony is ready to dive back into the portable gaming market. The conversation around a new PlayStation handheld began last year, spurred by the success of competitors like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
Sony, known for its successful PSP and less successful PS Vita, has steered clear of the handheld market since the PS Vita was discontinued in 2019. However, the recent launch of the Remote Play-focused PlayStation Portal in late 2023 saw significant success and reignited interest in portable consoles. Rumors suggest that the PlayStation Portal’s popularity may have spurred Sony to pursue a standalone handheld with more advanced capabilities.
Insider KeplerL2 has shared ongoing updates about this new system, including its potential adoption of AMD’s AI upscaling technology, reminiscent of the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) found in the PS5 Pro. While this portable device is set to have 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, it will feature only a third of the PS5’s memory bandwidth, around 150GB/s. However, it is expected that performance will be augmented by additional cache technologies.
Interestingly, KeplerL2 also noted that AMD currently has no plans for a Z3 mobile chip that would support AI upscaling, suggesting that this feature could be unique to the new PlayStation handheld, potentially giving it a competitive advantage over future handhelds from various manufacturers.