August 5, 2025 — While the PS5 Pro remains Sony’s flagship console, the gaming world is already buzzing about its successor. A major leak from tech insider Moore’s Law Is Dead (MLID) has revealed tantalizing details about the PS6 (codenamed “Orion”) and a companion handheld (“Canis”), painting a picture of Sony’s most ambitious console generation yet.
The Core Leaks: Power, Price, and Strategy
According to MLID’s analysis of a 2023 AMD presentation to Sony, the PS6 aims for a jaw-dropping 3× rasterization performance boost over the base PS5 and roughly 2× the power of the PS5 Pro. Surprisingly, this leap won’t come with a price hike. Sony reportedly targets a $499 launch price—matching the PS5’s 2020 debut—by prioritizing cost efficiency and power consumption (160W TBP) over bleeding-edge specs.
Key Rumored PS6 Specs (Orion):
- CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 6 (or later)
- GPU: 40–48 RDNA 5 compute units @ 3GHz+
- Memory: GDDR7 on a 160/192-bit bus
- Backward Compatibility: PS4 and PS5 games
- Target Performance: 4K/120 FPS with enhanced ray tracing.
Table: PS6 vs. PS5 Pro Performance Estimates
| Feature | PS5 Pro | PS6 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Rasterization | 1.5× base PS5 | 3× base PS5 |
| Ray Tracing | Moderate uplift | “Significantly higher” |
| Price | $699 | $499 |
| Power Draw | ~200W | 160W |
The Handheld Revolution: “Canis” Enters the Arena
Sony isn’t just launching a console. Leaks point to a dedicated handheld (Canis) designed as a true standalone device—unlike the streaming-focused PlayStation Portal. Codenamed “Canis,” it promises:
- Performance: ~50% of base PS5, outperforming the ROG Ally X
- Features: Touchscreen, haptic feedback, dual mics, USB-C video out
- Expandability: MicroSD + M.2 SSD slots
- Price: $400–$500.
Concept render of the PS6 handheld (Canis) with modular storage slots.
Release Timeline: Late 2027 or Early 2028
Manufacturing is reportedly slated for mid-2027, with a launch window between Fall 2027 and early 2028. This aligns with Sony’s 7-year console cycle (PS4: 2013 → PS5: 2020 → PS6: 2027). However, PlayStation architect Mark Cerny recently hinted that Sony’s timeline may extend to 2028–2029, noting AMD’s tech “is moving quicker than consoles can adopt.”
Sony’s Strategic Shift
The leaks suggest Sony is replicating the PS4’s playbook: prioritizing affordability over raw specs. After the PS5 Pro’s $699 price drew criticism, a $499 PS6 could win back cost-conscious gamers. As MLID noted:
“Stopping at the limits of current TVs (4K/120Hz) lets Sony deliver a $499 console instead of a $1,000 monster”
Why Trust These Leaks?
- MLID accurately leaked PS5 Pro specs months before its reveal.
- AMD’s partnership with Sony (“Project Amethyst”) confirms collaboration on next-gen AI upscaling.
- Backward compatibility aligns with Sony’s recent focus on legacy support.
Still, treat leaks cautiously. Specs from 2023 documents may have evolved.
The Bigger Picture
A $499 PS6 + a premium handheld could position Sony against Nintendo’s Switch 2 and Xbox’s rumored handheld. By offering a unified ecosystem (home console + portable), Sony may finally crack the hybrid market that eluded the PS Vita.
Disclaimer: All specs and details are based on unverified leaks from Moore’s Law Is Dead. Sony has not commented publicly on PS6 plans.