Rumor Mill: Sony Eyeing 2028 Launch for New PlayStation Handheld to Rival Switch 2, Steam Deck

Hold onto your hats, handheld fans! Multiple sources are buzzing with whispers that Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is cooking up a brand-new PlayStation portable console, codenamed "Jupiter," slated for a post-2028 launch.

This rumored device is said to pack a custom System-on-Chip (SoC), co-developed by AMD and Sony, and manufactured using Samsung's cutting-edge 2nm process technology. This move would mark Sony's grand return to the handheld market, potentially launching alongside the PlayStation 6, which is also rumored for a 2027-2028 release window.

According to well-known leaker Jukanlosreve, the Jupiter chip's development is still in the evaluation phase and not yet finalized. Mass production for the chip is reportedly set to kick off in 2028, meaning the new handheld would hit shelves after the PS6. The Jupiter chip's design aims for a sweet spot between high performance and low power consumption, allowing the portable to run modern games while maintaining solid battery life and thermal management.

While specific hardware specs are still under wraps, rumors suggest the Jupiter chip could feature 28 to 32 Compute Units (CUs), slightly less than the PS5's 36 CUs. This would place the new handheld's performance somewhere between the PS4 Pro and PS5, potentially allowing it to run PS5 games at lower resolutions and frame rates. Plus, expect support for advanced connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 for a top-tier game streaming experience.

Sony's potential foray is seen as a direct challenge to rivals like the Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and ASUS ROG Ally. The new handheld is expected to offer a hybrid experience of local play and cloud streaming, seamlessly integrating with the broader PlayStation ecosystem. As for pricing, estimates put it between $399 and $499, sporting an 8-inch 1080p display with a 60Hz refresh rate.

While Sony hasn't officially confirmed any development plans for this new handheld, multiple sources indicate the company is actively exploring a return to the portable gaming arena. With the PS6 on the horizon and competition heating up in the handheld market, Sony's potential new device could deliver a fresh gaming experience for players.


via: Tech4Gamers