Sony is reportedly working on a portable version of its upcoming PlayStation 6 (PS6), although it is expected to be less powerful than the current PlayStation 5 (PS5).

While the exact specifications of the new handheld remain unclear, it is anticipated to be capable of running PS5 games, albeit at reduced performance due to lower memory bandwidth.

Recent leaks indicate that the handheld will utilize a 3nm system on chip (SoC) drawing 15W, suggesting it may not support native PS5 gameplay.

Similar to the Steam Deck, which has a comparable TDP of 15W and can adjust its power consumption for better battery life, the portable PS6 may also feature similar capabilities.

For context, the PS5 has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 200W, highlighting a significant difference in power and performance between the two devices.

KeplerL2, a user on NeoGaf, claims that the portable PS6 will feature a 15W SoC built on a 3nm process.

These ongoing leaks and rumors suggest that Sony is undertaking a significant project in the realm of portable gaming.

As of now, Sony has not officially confirmed the existence of a portable PS6, so these claims should be approached with caution until further verification is provided.

Credibility for these rumors is supported by insider sources, including Tom Henderson and Digital Foundry.

This new handheld is expected to build on the PlayStation Portal, a successful device for streaming PS5 games, to compete with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

In the competitive landscape, Microsoft is also entering the handheld market with a new console expected in 2027 and a handheld device, codenamed 'Keenan', anticipated to launch later this year.

There are still questions regarding the pricing of the device and how it will coexist with the upcoming PS6.