Leaked specs suggest the upcoming PS6 handheld and console will feature 24GB and 30GB of RAM, respectively, raising hopes for smoother gaming experiences.
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Fresh rumors about the PS6 handheld are circulating, with whispers of a 24GB RAM configuration. This would put the successor to the PS Vita on par with the Xbox Ally X in terms of memory, but there’s a concern that this could lead to some hefty price tags.
On NeoGAF, a user suggests that the PS6 portable and console might feature “24GB and 30GB” RAM, indicating what would be ideal for the next-gen system. It’s widely believed that Sony is gearing up to re-enter the handheld market with a device utilizing LPDDR5X modules, similar to the ROG Xbox Ally X, while the main console is expected to adopt a “clamshell 3GB” design.
For those unfamiliar with memory specs, this implies that the PS6 could use 3GB GDDR7 modules on a 160-bit bus. While this bus width is notably narrower than the PS5 Pro’s 256GB setup, the faster 32 Gbps modules should enable it to achieve a bandwidth of 640GB/s, surpassing the 576 GB/s offered by GDDR6.
It’s the “clamshell” aspect that raises concerns about pricing, rather than the total 30GB RAM. Using two memory modules on a single 32 Gbps bus tends to be pricier, but it’s a strategy to double the system’s total capacity. Essentially, combining the 3GB chips boosts the PS6’s theoretical memory from 15GB.
With 16GB becoming the standard minimum for new PC games, it’s clear why Sony would aim for nearly double that. While consoles and high-end gaming PCs increasingly rely on AI upscaling tools, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) is expected to play a significant role in the next generation. However, the new system should strive for 4K at 120fps without major compromises, especially if it wants to outshine the Steam Machine’s 4K 60fps performance.
Returning to the PS6 handheld, while 24GB should suffice, it suggests that the next “PSP” will closely resemble current offerings. Sony could aim for 32GB RAM specs found in other high-end portables, like the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which would enhance performance for higher resolutions and hybrid TV play. However, Sony might take a page from the Vita’s playbook, potentially overlooking video output or dock compatibility, instead directing users to its home console.
As always, take these PS6 rumors with a grain of salt, but it’s tough to get excited about next-gen speculation given the current pricing landscape. Sony will likely target a specific MSRP, and it will need to keep it below the PS5 Pro to avoid pushing the console market into a realm of unaffordability. My concern is that if home hardware becomes too expensive, the industry may push “games as a service” even harder, leaning into cloud streaming (looking at you, PlayStation Portal), which could undermine ownership of both software and hardware.
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If the current RAM crisis eases and the Steam Machine prompts Microsoft to re-establish Xbox as a serious console contender, we might see a return to form in the next generation. For now, all we can do is hope that pricing remains manageable as we approach the next wave of consoles, and the fact that we’re discussing rumored memory configurations might indicate that Sony is actively seeking solutions.
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