Sony’s decision to forgo full RDNA 5 implementation in its new PS6 gaming system has immediately sparked intense debate among fans and experts. The company has opted for a hybrid architecture to keep the device’s price at an acceptable level while still delivering a significant boost in performance. This approach could shift the balance of power in the console market, as the focus now is on striking a balance between capabilities and affordability, rather than simply pushing technological boundaries.
Users who expected the PS6 to feature all the latest RDNA 5 capabilities were met with an unexpected twist: the console’s GPU will be something between RDNA 4 and RDNA 5. This strategy echoes the approach used in the PS5, which incorporated certain elements of RDNA 2 without the complete architecture. As a result, Sony is once again betting on its own development path rather than blindly following AMD’s technical progress.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has equipped its latest consoles with the full set of RDNA 2 features, including dedicated AI acceleration units. However, real-world experience has shown that having the latest technology does not always guarantee efficient use in games and applications.
Technology and trade-offs
The main reason Sony isn’t fully implementing RDNA 5 lies in its drive to reduce production costs. By using a hybrid graphics solution, the company can cut down CPU manufacturing expenses, which ultimately affects the final price for consumers. In this case, sacrificing some RDNA 5 features seems justified given that the performance boost over the PS5 promises to be impressive.
The PS6 will feature innovations such as Neural Arrays—special computational units designed to accelerate AI tasks; Radiance Cores—new cores for handling complex ray tracing operations; and a universal data compression system that helps save memory. According to developers, these technologies should not only deliver high performance, but also open up new possibilities for creating games with more advanced graphics and sophisticated character behavior.
The PS6 is expected to deliver between 34 and 40 teraflops of FP32 computing power. By comparison, the PS5 was capped at 10.3 teraflops. This means the new console promises to be four times more powerful than its predecessor, paving the way for larger and more realistic game worlds.
Comparison with PCs and competitors
In terms of graphics power, the PS6 will be comparable to the Radeon RX 9070 or RX 9070 XT graphics cards, based on the claimed specs. However, the console will feature unique capabilities not found even in these top-tier PC solutions. This could be a serious argument in favor of choosing the PS6 for those seeking not just performance, but exclusive gaming features.
At the same time, the decision not to include the full set of RDNA 5 features may raise questions among some users who are used to having the latest technology. However, experience shows that the newest technologies do not always determine a platform’s success. What matters most is how well price, features, and developer support come together.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Sony has taken a compromise approach. The PS5 already used a similar strategy, which did not prevent it from becoming one of the most popular consoles on the market. Now the company is doubling down on a proven tactic, hoping the blend of power and reasonable pricing will deliver success again.
The future of gaming on PS6
The introduction of new technologies such as Neural Arrays and Radiance Cores offers developers a wealth of opportunities. We can expect to see projects with more advanced artificial intelligence, realistic lighting, and highly detailed worlds. At the same time, the hybrid GPU architecture will help optimize memory usage and reduce power consumption, which is crucial for modern home devices.
The question of how quickly the industry will adapt to the new capabilities of the PS6 remains open. Much will depend on how game developers can leverage the console’s unique features. However, one thing is already clear: Sony has once again chosen its own path, prioritizing balance between price and performance over pursuing cutting-edge technology at all costs.
In the coming years, competition between gaming platforms is set to intensify. Sony’s decision to forgo full RDNA 5 support could be both an advantage and a point of criticism. Ultimately, it will depend on how successfully the company implements its vision in practice.
Sony, a company founded in Japan in the mid-20th century, has long been a leader in the entertainment industry. Its PlayStation consoles are renowned worldwide for blending innovation, accessibility, and broad developer support. Each new generation of PlayStation not only brings technical improvements but sets new standards across the sector. PS6 continues this tradition, offering users a unique balance of power and value, allowing the company to maintain its leading position in the market.
