The gaming console market is shifting rapidly: Sony and Microsoft are preparing to launch new consoles, and their differing approaches to graphics technology could shape the entire generation of games. According to MuyComputer, the PS6 will feature a graphics chip developed by AMD specifically for this model. However, it won’t be a full RDNA 5 architecture, but rather a hybrid that combines elements of RDNA 4 and RDNA 5. This raises questions: how might this compromise affect the console’s capabilities, and could it create a technological gap with its competitor?
While Xbox Next, according to Microsoft, will use a graphics processor based on the complete RDNA 5, Sony is betting on its own unique blend of technologies. This mirrors what happened with the previous generation: the PS5 ran on RDNA 1.5, while the Xbox Series X used RDNA 2. At the time, Microsoft wasn’t able to fully exploit the advantages of its hardware, and the gap between the consoles turned out to be less significant than many expected.
Technology and Capabilities
The PS6 will introduce new ray tracing acceleration blocks, support for advanced image upscaling methods, improved computing modules for artificial intelligence tasks, and universal memory compression. All of this is expected to enhance graphics quality and reduce system load. However, it remains unclear whether the console will include features such as AI-powered frame generation, radiance cache, or advanced ray regeneration—technologies already implemented in FSR Redstone and available with RDNA 4.
While Sony and AMD have yet to reveal the full list of supported features, users are speculating which innovations will be available at launch. Experts suggest that if the PS6 doesn’t include at least some of these advancements, the gap with Xbox Next could become significant for demanding gamers. Nevertheless, according to MuyComputer, all key RDNA 5 capabilities—except for one or two—will be implemented in Sony’s new console.
Comparison with Xbox Next
Microsoft has officially stated that Xbox Next will be a premium console featuring the complete set of RDNA 5 functions. This means users will benefit from a full range of advanced graphics technologies, including mesh shader support, variable rate shading, and INT8 operations. In the previous generation, developers didn’t always take advantage of these options, but this could change going forward.
Interestingly, sources claim the gap between the PS6 and Xbox Next will be only 1% in terms of RDNA 5 functionality. The question is, which technologies fall within that margin. If it involves AI frame generation or other critical tools for future games, even such a small difference could be pivotal for certain genres and projects.
In a recent report on Sony’s compromises in choosing a hybrid architecture for the PS6 it was already noted that the company chose to boost power at the expense of some new features to reduce costs. Now it is becoming clear that this decision may affect not only the price, but also gamers’ perception of the console, as many expect the highest level of technology from a new generation device.
Impact on the market
So far, Sony has not commented on the possibility of implementing AI frame generation or other FSR Redstone features, leaving us to speculate on how this might affect the future of games on the PS6. If the difference between the consoles is truly minimal, as insiders claim, then developer support and optimization for specific platforms will play a decisive role. In the past, Microsoft was unable to fully unlock the potential of its hardware, and the company clearly does not want to repeat previous mistakes.
On the other hand, hybrid architecture could give Sony an edge in price and energy efficiency, which matters for the mass market. However, for enthusiasts and tech-savvy gamers, even a slight lag in features could be enough to sway their choice toward Xbox Next. In any case, the competition between these two giants promises to be fierce, and the final decision will rest with the players.
PlayStation has become a symbol of home entertainment and innovation in the gaming industry over the decades. Each new generation of Sony consoles sets the standard for the entire market, and the company’s decisions often determine which technologies become mainstream. In 2026, the race for leadership is reaching a new level: from graphics architecture to AI support—everything will influence the gaming experience for millions of users worldwide.
