Sony Confirms AMD Hardware for PlayStation 6: Intel Misses Out Again

After unveiling the PlayStation 5 Pro earlier this year, Sony is already sharing preliminary details about the next-generation PlayStation 6. According to PlayStation’s lead developer Mark Cerny, the upcoming console will once again feature an AMD chip at its core, continuing the company’s long-standing partnership with the semiconductor giant.

This collaboration has proven successful in the past, as AMD supplied processors and graphics units for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and the PS5 Pro. Internally referred to as “Project Amethyst,” the initiative highlights the synergy between the companies, symbolized by their corporate colors of red and blue. With the PlayStation 6, Sony plans to focus heavily on artificial intelligence (AI), utilizing it not only for enhanced upscaling techniques such as FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) but also to revolutionize gameplay elements.

AMD Chips with AI Integration and 3D Cache?

AI-powered companions or adversaries could exhibit more lifelike behaviors and emotions, further immersing players in the gaming experience. This technological leap will likely rely on AMD’s next-generation XDNA NPU, with an evolution of the XDNA2 architecture already seen in Ryzen AI 300 mobile processors and Strix Halo products. Additionally, the PS6 is expected to feature a Ryzen CPU (Zen 5 or newer) and a Radeon GPU (RDNA 4 or newer).

Rumors also suggest the PS6’s system-on-a-chip (SoC) may include a 3D-cache technology, potentially adopting the advanced memory-stacking technique seen in AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. By stacking the L3 cache, the memory size could be significantly expanded, enabling the console to deliver notably higher performance in gaming scenarios.

Intel Was Briefly in the Running

Reports indicate that Sony began evaluating suppliers for the PlayStation 6’s core components several years ago. While AMD was the frontrunner, Intel was also considered as a potential partner. Discussions between Sony and Intel reportedly took place over several months in 2022, involving management and engineering teams from both companies. The goal was to bring Intel onboard as a supplier for processors and graphics solutions, but two major roadblocks ultimately ended the talks.

Cost Disagreements
One significant issue was the increased development effort required to switch from AMD to Intel, particularly concerning backward compatibility with previous PlayStation titles. Additionally, the companies failed to agree on pricing terms. Intel’s proposals were reportedly higher than AMD’s, which would have made the PS6 more expensive at launch. Analysts estimate that if Intel had secured the deal, it could have generated approximately $30 billion in revenue over the PS6’s lifecycle—revenue that would have been highly beneficial given Intel’s current challenges.

When Can We Expect the PS6?

It’s no surprise that Sony has been working on the PlayStation 6 behind the scenes; console development typically begins shortly after a new system’s launch. While the exact release date remains unconfirmed, speculation points to a launch no earlier than winter 2027.

Pricing for the PS6 is another hot topic. With the PS5 Pro already retailing at €800, it’s hard to imagine the PS6 launching at a lower price point. Moreover, the PlayStation 6 won’t be the first console of the next generation; Nintendo is set to release the Switch 2 in 2025, officially marking the start of the tenth console generation.

Sony’s decision to stick with AMD reinforces the success of their partnership while setting high expectations for the PlayStation 6’s performance, particularly in the realm of AI-driven gaming.