A new PlayStation 6 leak suggests Sony’s next console will launch with a “much simpler design” than the PS5 and feature a detachable disc drive.
Sony’s next-generation console is slowly coming into focus, and over the past few months we’ve seen more and more leaks hinting at what the PlayStation 6 could look like under the hood. Reports have claimed big upgrades are on the way, with AMD’s latest Zen 6 CPUs and RDNA 5 graphics tech powering the system.
There’s also been talk of major performance targets, like running games at 4K resolution and up to 120 frames per second, alongside huge improvements to ray tracing. But the PS6 might not be just one device. Rumors suggest Sony is also developing a full handheld companion console, codenamed “Canis,” which could launch alongside the main system.
That would mark the first time since the PSP and PS Vita era that PlayStation has invested in a portable system meant to stand beside its flagship home hardware. And now, thanks to a new report, we have even more insight into what Sony is planning for the PS6.
PS6 Will Keep Detachable Disc Drive and Adopt a Simpler Design
The latest report comes from Tom Henderson at Insider Gaming, who claims that Sony is planning to stick with a detachable disc drive for the PlayStation 6. This modular approach was first introduced midway through the PS5’s life cycle, giving players the option to buy a digital-only console and add a disc drive later if they wanted.
According to Henderson’s sources, Sony is “firm” on keeping this setup for the PS6. The reasoning is pretty straightforward: the detachable disc drive on PS5 met all of Sony’s internal targets, and it helped cut down on manufacturing and shipping costs during what the report describes as “uncertain times.” That likely refers to ongoing trade tensions and fluctuating global supply costs.
The report also adds that the PS6 will feature a “much simpler design” compared to the PS5. This is said to be another cost-saving measure, with Sony looking to reduce weight, maximize shipping efficiency, and make the overall console easier to produce.
While this design scoop is the newest piece of information, earlier reports have given us a bigger picture of what to expect from Sony’s next-gen systems. Here’s a breakdown of the full PlayStation 6 and PS6 handheld specs:
- PS6 “Orion” (Home Console)
- CPU: 8-core Zen 6 (or newer)
- GPU: 40–48 RDNA 5 compute units @ 3 GHz or higher
- GPU Architecture: RDNA 5 with ~5–10% rasterization uplift per CU over RDNA 4
- Memory: GDDR7, Sony is considering either a 160-bit or 192-bit bus (unlikely to go beyond 256-bit)
- Total Board Power (TBP): Around 160W (lower than PS5’s power use)
- Backward compatibility for PS4 and PS5 games
- Performance targets include 4K/120FPS and stronger ray tracing support
- PS6 “Canis” (Handheld Console)
- CPU: 4 × Zen 6c cores (3nm process)
- GPU: 12–20 RDNA 5 compute units @ 1.6–2.0 GHz
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5X-7500+ on a 128-bit bus
- Estimated Power Draw: 15 W thermal board power
- Performance Target: About half the PS5’s rasterization performance, but potentially stronger in ray tracing due to RDNA 5 improvements
- Backward Compatibility: PS5 and PS4 support, with PS5 “Low Power Mode” for better performance matching
- Storage Options: MicroSD slot and M.2 SSD slot
- Display: Touchscreen
- Other Hardware: Dual microphones, haptic vibration, USB-C with fast charging and video output (speculated to allow docked play on TVs)
Most reports point to a production start date in mid-2027, with a launch planned for late 2027 or early 2028. Pricing is still speculative, but the main PS6 is reportedly aiming for around $499, while the handheld could fall in the $399 to $499 range.
It’s worth stressing that nothing here is confirmed by Sony, and all of this information comes from insider reports and leaks. Plans can—and often do—change before a console is officially revealed.
What do you think about Sony’s approach to the PS6? Would you prefer a simpler design and an optional disc drive? Let us know what you think.
