Sony rumored to secure exclusive AMD RDNA 5 chip for next handheld

Reports from Digital Foundry suggest that Sony may secure a form of exclusivity for AMD’s upcoming RDNA 5 architecture in the handheld console market. According to analyst Richard Leadbetter, Sony is reportedly involved in developing a custom semi-custom chip designed specifically for its next-generation portable device, potentially referred to as a PS6 handheld.

This development aligns with a shift in AMD’s business strategy, where the company is moving away from designing custom chips for niche or low-volume markets. Instead, AMD is focusing its research and development resources on partners capable of guaranteeing massive order volumes. Because of Sony’s expected high shipment numbers, they may be the only company willing or able to fund the high costs of developing such specialized hardware.

If these rumors are accurate, Sony’s handheld could gain a significant competitive advantage in graphics performance, ray tracing, and AI processing capabilities compared to competitors like the Steam Deck or potential handheld Xbox devices, which may be limited to standard, non-customized AMD chips.