Sony’s next-generation handheld might not deliver the experience fans expect. A new leak claims the rumored PS6 handheld could struggle to run native PS5 games, and might even perform worse than the current console. For players hoping for a true portable PS5 experience, this leak raises important questions.
Below is a clear breakdown of what’s going on and why Sony may be making this surprising move.
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What the New PS6 Handheld Leak Reveals
The report comes from Moore’s Law Is Dead, a well-known hardware leaker. According to his sources, Sony is planning a new handheld system designed to work alongside the PS6. But here’s the catch — the handheld will not include console-grade hardware.
Instead, Sony is expected to use mobile-focused chips, the same type used in high-end tablets or portable PCs. That means the device won’t match the raw power of the PS5. Not even close.
The leak also suggests that Sony may introduce a special compatibility mode for PS5 games, allowing them to run on lower settings. This is a good indicator that Sony doesn’t plan to push native PS5-level performance on a small device.
Why the PS6 Handheld May Run PS5 Games Worse
This is the part catching most fans off guard.
A handheld requires:
- Low power consumption
- High battery efficiency
- Minimal heat
PS5-level hardware simply can’t fit into a small portable without overheating or draining the battery in minutes. Because of those limits, Sony must rely on lighter, more efficient chips.
That results in:
- Reduced resolution
- Lower graphical quality
- Lower frame rates
- Possible loading slowdowns
So even though it could technically run PS5 titles, the experience won’t match the console — or even come close for demanding games.
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Sony’s Possible Strategy Behind This Move
Sony’s current direction shows one clear trend: a heavy push toward streaming.
The PlayStation Portal proved that Sony isn’t trying to create a Switch competitor. Instead, they want devices that depend on your home console or cloud services.
This leak fits that strategy.
Here’s what Sony might be aiming for:
- A cheaper handheld
- A device focused on streaming PS6 games
- A way to keep players in the PlayStation ecosystem
- A system built around remote play, not raw power
If that’s the case, Sony doesn’t need true PS5 performance in the handheld.
What This Means for PlayStation Gamers Going Forward
There are two takeaways here.
First:
If you wanted a portable PS5 that runs God of War: Ragnarök natively at full settings, this probably isn’t that device.
Second:
If you enjoy remote play, cloud gaming, or portable access to PlayStation content, the PS6 handheld could still be exciting. It will likely offer better connectivity, better latency handling, and seamless integration with the PS6.
Sony appears far more interested in creating a companion device, not a standalone console.
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Should You Wait for the PS6 Handheld?
If you love handheld gaming, yes — the concept is still interesting.
If you want full PS5 performance on the go, this leak suggests you may not get it.
The PS6 era is still a few years away, so Sony can always adjust plans. But for now, expectations should stay grounded. This handheld looks like a streaming-first machine, not a power-focused portable console.
More details will emerge as we get closer to the PS6 launch window, and we’ll keep covering every update.
