Insiders Suggest PlayStation 6 and New Portable Console from Sony to Arrive Sooner Than Expected

Active development of a specific power-saving mode within Sony's ecosystem may indicate an accelerated timeline for the release of its next-generation hardware.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that this advanced power-saving mode could be a clever disguise, serving as a "Trojan horse" to facilitate compatibility with a future portable version of the new PlayStation console.

According to leaked information, developer recommendations for utilizing this "Power Saver Mode" align almost perfectly with the rumored specifications of an upcoming handheld device. These specs include a configuration with 4 Zen 6c cores (capable of up to 8 threads for gaming) and 2 energy-efficient Zen 6 cores (providing up to 4 threads for system tasks). This strong correlation implies that the mode is primarily being developed as a compatibility layer for a future portable device, rather than solely for enhancing energy efficiency.

Further evidence comes from a recent leak of the "PlayGo" feature within the PlayStation 5 SDK. This feature, reminiscent of Microsoft's Smart Delivery system, allows developers to intelligently distribute game files and textures across different console versions. Notably, developers can now optimize downloads separately for PS4, PS4 Pro, PS5, PS5 Pro, and even the "Power Saver Mode," with the latter receiving its own unique asset packaging format.

Reports also indicate that Sony is in the process of notifying developers about the gradual discontinuation of older PlayStation Network functionalities for PS4 games, urging a transition to cross-generational development tools. This move serves as another significant indicator of the impending arrival of a new console generation.