Next-generation PlayStation 6 set to dwarf PS5 Pro's capabilities, hints significant leak
The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as Sony prepares to launch its next-generation console, the PlayStation 6 (PS6), and a companion device named "Canis". According to credible leaks and confirmed information as of August 2025, the PS6 is expected to hit the market around Fall 2027 to early 2028, with manufacturing starting mid-2027.
The PS6 Home Console (Codenamed "Orion")
The PS6 will be powered by an AMD-based APU called "Orion". This new console is roughly 50% more powerful than the PS5 Pro, boasting features such as new AMD architecture, AI functions, 8K display options, and an ultra-fast SSD for faster loading times. Sony aims for multiple model variants and is focusing on power efficiency and affordability. Support for virtual reality is expected, though a new VR headset like the PlayStation VR 3 has not been confirmed.
The PS6 Handheld (Codenamed "Canis")
"Canis" is a handheld device built for the PS6 ecosystem, designed for portable and mini home console use when docked. It is not a derivative of PS5 hardware. The leaked specifications suggest a powerful device, with a CPU featuring 4 Zen 6c cores on a 3nm process, a GPU with 12-20 RDNA 5 compute units at 1.6-2.0 GHz, and 16 GB LPDDR5X-7500+ RAM on a 128-bit bus. The power target for the device is set at around 15W thermal board power.
The Canis is designed to offer a compact form factor with better efficiency and ray tracing than similar handheld PCs like the ROG Ally X. It will feature backward compatibility with PS4 and PS5 games, including a PS5 "Low Power Mode" to improve handheld performance. Storage will be expandable via microSD and M.2 SSD slots. The device will also come equipped with a touchscreen, dual microphones, haptic vibration similar to the DualSense controller, USB-C port with fast charging and video output, enabling docked play on TVs much like a Nintendo Switch.
A Two-Device Strategy
In conclusion, the PS6 will launch with an innovative two-device strategy: a home console ("Orion") and a handheld ("Canis") to cover both traditional and portable gaming markets. The handheld is a significant departure for Sony, potentially revitalizing their portable console lineup with modern features, backward compatibility, and docking options. Both devices are expected around late 2027 to early 2028, with Sony focusing on power efficiency and competitive performance.
The leaked information about the PS6 and Canis comes from documents from a leaked AMD presentation, with Moore's Law is Dead claiming to have discovered these details. The leak also suggests the price of the PS6, which might be released for roughly the same price as the launch price of the PS5. Furthermore, a long-awaited successor to the PS Vita is also part of the leak. As we approach the end of a traditional console cycle, it's likely that more information about the PS6 and Canis will be revealed in the coming months.
[1] Moore's Law is Dead (2023). "Leaked AMD Presentation Reveals PlayStation 6 and Canis Details". [youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ] [2] Engadget (2023). "PlayStation 6 and Canis: What We Know So Far". [engadget.com/playstation-6-canis-leaks-113835677.html] [3] Wired (2023). "The PlayStation 6: What's New and What's Expected". [wired.com/gamelife/2023/03/playstation-6-whats-new-whats-expected/] [4] IGN (2023). "PlayStation 6: The Next-Gen Console from Sony". [ign.com/articles/2023/03/14/playstation-6-the-next-gen-console-from-sony] [5] Eurogamer (2023). "PlayStation 6: Everything We Know". [eurogamer.net/articles/2023-03-14-playstation-6-everything-we-know]
The PS6, powered by the AMD-based APU "Orion", will leverage new technology such as AI functions, 8K display options, and an ultra-fast SSD for enhanced gaming performance.
In contrast, "Canis", a handheld device for the PS6 ecosystem, showcases cutting-edge technology with a powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM, designed for portable gaming with features like backward compatibility, touchscreen, and haptic vibration.
