- Ex-PlayStation boss says the PS6 handheld can only do well if it launches without a home console.
- He argues that Sony cannot support both a handheld and the PS6 console together.
- Shawn Layden speaks from experience, as Sony struggled to support both the PS3 and PSP together.
Multiple rumors over the years have suggested Sony is prepping to launch a PS6 home console and a handheld together in next-gen. The conglomerate even allegedly secured a custom RDNA5 chip from AMD, making it more powerful than other upcoming portable devices.
However, ex-PlayStation executive Shawn Layden says the PS6 handheld can only stand out and perform well if it launches without a home console.
Why it matters: Shawn believes the home console and the handheld will internally compete for resources and attention. The home console may also overshadow the handheld internally by simply carrying more importance, boasting more revenue and a larger audience.
Speaking in a podcast with The Trophy Room, Shawn Layden explains that Sony would essentially have to operate as two companies to support both devices with resources and planning.
Based on his experience with the PSP and PS3, marketing resources that could have supported the PS6 handheld might get gobbled up by the home console even if the handheld performs well. They will also internally have to compete for attention and strategic direction.
If Sony only does a handheld next, then I think they have a good chance of winning. But if they’re going to launch a handheld and a console at the same time, the company just doesn’t have […] the ability to be successful with both.
-Ex-PlayStation Boss, Shawn Layden.
Therefore, Shawn claims Sony might be better off by launching the home console before or after the PS6 handheld.
Regardless, rumors suggest the PS6 handheld won’t hold back the home console in terms of hardware, at least, as the RAM difference is supposedly only 30%.
On a side note, Shawn Layden also explained that Sony needs to innovate the PS6 by making it a ‘PS5 for $300’ console. He argues the PS6 needs to be a smaller and cheaper machine instead of boasting incremental upgrades to succeed.
Do you think the PS6 handheld will get overshadowed by the home console, or will both devices receive the same amount of love? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devotedly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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