Rumors about the next generation of gaming consoles suggest that Sony’s PlayStation 6 is further along in development than anticipated, while Microsoft’s plans for the next Xbox remain uncertain.
PlayStation 6 Development Progress
According to well-known AMD leaker Kepler L2 on the NeoGAF forums, the PlayStation 6 System-on-Chip (SoC) has reached the “design complete” stage and is undergoing pre-silicon validation. The A0 tapeout—a key milestone in chip production—is reportedly scheduled for late 2025.
Sony’s historical timeline from A0 tapeout to console release is typically two years, which means the PS6 could hit the market in 2027. This estimate aligns with statements Sony made in a 2022 filing to the UK’s competition regulator, where the company mentioned a potential late-2027 launch for its next-generation console.
The PS6’s GPU is said to be a fork of AMD’s gfx13 architecture, previously known as RDNA 5 and now called UDNA. While specifics about the GPU’s size are unavailable, UDNA will likely incorporate cutting-edge features from AMD’s upcoming architecture. Another trusted hardware leaker, zhangzhonghao, added that the PS6 will utilize 3D Cache technology and confirmed AMD plans to release its UDNA GPUs and Zen 6 CPUs in 2026.
Xbox’s Next Console: A Different Approach?
In contrast to Sony’s well-documented progress, Microsoft has reportedly yet to finalize the specifications for its next-generation Xbox. According to zhangzhonghao on the Chiphell forums, discussions around the Xbox SoC remain ongoing.
Xbox insider Jez Corden, co-host of the Xbox Two podcast and editor at Windows Central, previously hinted at Microsoft’s plans to take a unique approach for its next console. He endorsed a leak suggesting that Microsoft may allow third-party manufacturers to develop their own versions of the console, similar to the current availability of third-party Xbox controllers.
Corden also noted that the next Xbox may feature a stronger integration with Windows, potentially serving as a reference device for manufacturers creating gaming hardware. This strategy would mirror Microsoft’s approach with the Surface Pro 11, which functions as a model for AI-powered PCs.
What’s Next?
If the rumors hold true, the PlayStation 6 is likely to arrive in late 2027, continuing Sony’s tradition of consistent console release cycles. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s flexible and hardware-agnostic approach to its next Xbox could signal a shift in how gaming platforms are designed and marketed.
Both companies are preparing for a competitive future in gaming, with advanced technologies such as UDNA GPUs, 3D Cache, and new processor architectures set to define the next era of consoles.
Source: NeoGAF, Chiphell Forums
Leave a Reply