Sony's Bold Return to Portable Gaming: New Device Canis Leaked, Promises High Performance and Innovation
August 28, 2025
Sony is developing a new portable gaming device, codenamed Canis, which is expected to be a hybrid handheld-console similar to the Nintendo Switch, with docking capabilities for external displays.
Leaked hardware specifications suggest the device will feature an AMD six-core CPU with four Zen 6 cores and two low-power cores, supporting up to 48GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a GPU possibly with 16 RDNA 5 compute units.
The device will support native gaming, backward compatibility with PS4 and PS5 titles, and include features like a 1080p touchscreen, M.2 SSD, MicroSD slot, USB-C with video-out, dual microphones, and haptic feedback.
A smaller portable console, codenamed Canis, is also in development, equipped with a 4-core Zen 6c CPU and a lightweight RDNA 5 GPU, focused on local gaming and backward compatibility.
The specifications emphasize energy efficiency and backward compatibility, though some predicted prices and performance claims remain speculative.
Community reactions are mixed, with excitement about the potential but concerns over the device's complexity and cost, especially given its powerful hardware.
Advanced FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 technology is expected to be a key feature, enhancing visual quality and performance through hardware-specific upscaling.
Additional features may include haptic feedback and a total board power of around 15 watts, aiming for efficient performance.
No official specifications or pricing have been confirmed, and the industry awaits further updates.
The device is expected to support up to 48GB of RAM with a 192-bit LPDDR5-8533 memory controller, though Sony is still finalizing the memory capacity.
Speculations include a 1080p touchscreen, support for microSD and M.2 storage, and a USB-C port with video-out, with some sources suggesting 16GB to 24GB of RAM.
The handheld will run games natively without relying on cloud streaming and will support docking via USB-C for external display connectivity.
While detailed prototypes may take up to two years, the overall outlook is optimistic, with high anticipation for its impact on portable gaming and competition with other next-gen devices.
The earliest possible launch is estimated for 2027, with production potentially starting mid-2027, and pricing projected between $399 and $499, slightly above the Nintendo Switch.
Sony is conducting surveys to gauge interest in the PSP 2, hinting at an aggressive release strategy and competitive pricing.
The dock is expected to optimize thermal management rather than increase processing power, potentially enabling the device to outperform current handhelds like the Switch 2 and Asus ROG Xbox Ally.
This move aligns with Sony's broader strategy to offer multiple ways for players to experience games, including new and innovative interaction methods.
The device aims to compete with Nintendo’s hybrid approach, combining portable and home gaming functionalities, and could serve as a successor to the PlayStation Vita.
Sony's focus on native gaming and backward compatibility marks a significant return to dedicated portable gaming after the PlayStation Vita, with a clear emphasis on high performance.
Concerns remain about cost, battery life, and heat output, given the device's expected power and performance capabilities.
Sony is also emphasizing sustainability, introducing energy-saving modes as part of its environmental initiatives.
All these details are based on unofficial sources, including reports from VGC and a YouTube video, with no official announcement from Sony yet.
Summary based on 31 sources
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Sources

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