Sony PlayStation hardware rumors suggest new handheld and digital shift

Reports regarding Sony’s future hardware and platform strategy suggest a shift toward handheld devices and digital-only distribution. Leaks from hardware insider ‘Moore’s Law is Dead’ indicate that Sony may be developing a new handheld console alongside the PS6. This device is rumored to feature a large 7-to-8-inch screen to accommodate high-fidelity titles and an SD card slot for storage expansion, as the internal NVMe SSD may not be user-upgradable.

Separately, former Sony Interactive Entertainment executive Shawn Layden has criticized the company’s decision to stop releasing new physical game discs for the PlayStation platform starting in January 2028. Layden argued that while the majority of players may prefer digital downloads, the remaining segment of physical media buyers represents the most loyal core gamers and collectors. He warned that moving to a fully digital model could spark disputes over game ownership and potentially damage Sony’s brand reputation.