Sony has chosen a chip maker for the PlayStation 6, and it’s AMD. according to a new report from ReutersConcerns about backwards compatibility with the PS5 were apparently a factor in the decision-making process.
Reuters reports (via VGC) that there was an intense bidding process for the PS6 contract in 2022, with AMD beating out rivals like Intel and Broadcom as a result. One of the main concerns was apparently the profit margin that Intel wanted on each unit sold. Another thing that would seem to help put AMD in a better position is the fact that sticking with the chipmaker will help limit potential issues with next-gen console support.
AMD designed the CPU and GPU for both PS4 and PS5. In addition to the existing relationship, the continuity of production processes was probably one of the reasons why the transition between the two generations of consoles was so seamless, and PS5 owners got access to thousands of games from the previous console as soon as it was released. A similar transition for the PS6 would provide three generations of games and player libraries, potentially all available on one device.
This is in stark contrast to the PS3, whose unique Nvidia-based “cellular” processor created all sorts of problems for developers looking to port games to the console, and for Sony trying to make PS3 games available on the PS4. Without compatible hardware, software solutions are required, which can be expensive and require a huge investment from the console manufacturer. Instead, Sony has so far opted to simply make PS3 games available on the PS5 exclusively through cloud gaming on the more expensive PS Plus “Premium” tier.
The PS4 console cycle lasted seven years, and the PS5 may last even longer. Sony recently told investors that the current console is in the the second half of lifeand Art regulations last yearThe company has suggested that the PS6 won’t be released until 2028. The PS5 Pro, which will arrive in November at a price of $700, could be halfway between the current generation and the launch of the PS6.
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