Sony’s next-generation console is reportedly moving forward with AMD once again handling the custom silicon, but a new leak suggests the graphics architecture may not include the full RDNA 5 feature set. The claim comes from known hardware leaker KeplerL2, who shared the information on the NeoGAF forums.
According to the post, the upcoming Sony PlayStation 6 will be based on AMD’s RDNA 5 architecture, though not in its complete desktop form. The leaker did not provide technical details about what may be removed or altered, but the comment has fueled discussion about how Sony may once again adopt a semi-custom design rather than a full implementation.
The approach would not be new for Sony. The Sony PlayStation 5 uses a customized version of RDNA 2 rather than a direct copy of AMD’s PC graphics architecture. Console hardware typically prioritizes gaming performance, power efficiency, and cost targets over broader feature sets designed for desktop GPUs.
AMD is widely expected to power the PS6 with a new custom APU that integrates both CPU and GPU components. The partnership between AMD and Sony has been in place since the PlayStation 4 era, and industry reports indicate that collaboration will continue for the next generation.
One area of speculation centers around AI-related hardware. Modern GPU architectures are increasingly integrating neural processing capabilities, but it remains unclear whether a dedicated NPU would play a significant role in a console environment. Some observers believe Sony may exclude features aimed at productivity or advanced media workloads, focusing instead on gaming-specific improvements such as ray tracing, upscaling, and image reconstruction technologies.
There have also been recurring reports suggesting that the PlayStation 6 may not arrive until 2029. If that timeline proves accurate, it would extend the current console generation beyond previous cycles and provide additional time for hardware refinement. A longer development window could allow Sony and AMD to tailor RDNA 5 more closely to console gaming demands while maintaining competitive performance targets.
At this stage, Sony has not confirmed specifications or a release window for the PS6. As with most early hardware rumors, plans may evolve over time. More information is expected to surface as development progresses and the next console generation moves closer to launch.
