What to know

  • PS6 features Radiance Cores, special hardware to handle ray tracing workload, freeing GPU compute units for better performance.
  • Neural Arrays optimize AI rendering by connecting GPU compute units for large-screen AI processing.
  • Universal Compression reduces memory bandwidth use, boosting detail, frame rates, and efficiency.
  • PS6 handheld powered by AMD "Canis" APU with strong GPU specs, supporting full PS4/PS5 backward compatibility.

Mark Cerny, the lead architect of PS5 and PS5 Pro, and Jack Huynh, AMD’s SVP and GM of Computing and Graphics, discuss exciting new GPU technologies for the PlayStation 6 in a detailed nine-minute YouTube video. They highlight breakthroughs like Radiance Cores, Neural Arrays, and Universal Compression but note that these innovations are still in the early simulation phase and not yet finalized.

Sony and AMD have unveiled a trio of breakthrough GPU technologies for the PlayStation 6, aimed at greatly enhancing graphical fidelity and efficiency. The centerpiece is the Radiance Cores—dedicated hardware blocks that handle complex real-time ray tracing and path tracing calculations. This offloads heavy math from the GPU's shader cores, enabling faster rendering and better visuals without sacrificing performance.

Alongside this, Neural Arrays connect GPU compute units into an AI powerhouse, improving rendering efficiency and enabling advanced upscaling techniques. Universal Compression smartly compresses all GPU data types, freeing up bandwidth and boosting frame rates and detail.

The PS6 handheld could run on the AMD "Canis" APU with RDNA 5 graphics, estimated to boast ray tracing power exceeding the PS5 base, alongside features like microSD storage, M.2 expansion, haptics, dual mics, and 4K video output via USB-C.

Together, these innovations signal a leap forward in how Sony’s next-gen consoles will handle demanding graphics workloads, enabling photorealistic lighting effects and smooth gameplay at high resolutions. Although still in simulation, these features set a promising foundation for the PlayStation 6 and potentially portable PlayStation devices, shaping the future of gaming visuals and performance.