- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
90%
Highly Likely
Amidst surging component prices that are driving up the cost of gaming hardware - both for systems already available and those launching very soon like Valve's new Steam Machine - Sony is facing multiple challenges for its PlayStation 6 console. Besides having to make it a compelling upgrade for existing PlayStation 5 users, the Japanese company also needs to keep manufacturing costs down as much as possible. One of the centerpieces of this strategy, according to a new leak from Moore's Law Is Dead, is AI-driven frame generation via ongoing research into Virtual Frame Interpolation (VFI).
During the latest episode of the Broken Silicon podcast this week, the leaker, who has proved to be quite reliable on PlayStation leaks in the past few years, revealed some interesting information on major themes Sony discussed during an internal "face to face" hardware meeting outlining the company's next-gen strategy. These are:
- Consoles are cost constrained
- ML/AI for SR (Super Resolution) and VFI (Virtual Frame Interpolation) needed for console/low-end dGPU (discrete graphics processing unit)
- Low Power (potential efficiency threats from impending EU legislation)
The first and second points are particularly interesting, as they outline Sony's PlayStation 6 strategy, according to the leaker. "When I see things like AI, ray tracing, PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), keeping costs in control, whatever they're going to do, they're going to try to make it feel like 4K 120 and cut costs after that," the leaker says.
Delivering a 4K 120 FPS machine would be a significant incentive for users to upgrade, even more if retail costs are kept as low as possible. Although, looking at the Steam Machine's steep launch price, it remains to be seen how much Sony will be able to do so, even with significant ecosystem subsidizing, which Valve obviously didn't lean into.
New Interface and Advanced Voice Controls Could Elevate The PlayStation 6 User Experience
Although not part of the slide leak, Moore's Law Is Dead's host Tom and guest MysticRyan discussed other ways Sony could make the PlayStation 6 an enticing upgrade. While a new console UI is almost guaranteed, the most interesting software addition would be using AI and advanced voice recognition, which may also be able to run locally on the system, as it should have more than enough RAM for it.
Still, the two also discuss the possibility of these features being cloud-based and locked behind a premium PlayStation Plus subscription, which is not unlikely at all. This aligns with the Japanese company's plan to drive the subscription service profits by increasing user engagement and improving its service proposition, thereby pushing users towards more expensive tiers such as PlayStation Plus Extra and PlayStation Plus Premium.
Although price increases are dampening enthusiasm for the next generation of consoles, it is undeniable that the PlayStation 6 could be Sony's most interesting console to date. As it is reportedly not getting delayed from its 2027 launch window, it shouldn't take too long to see what Sony is going to do to make gamers upgrade.
About the author: Francesco De Meo has been covering video games and technology since 2012, starting his career at small outlets like Gamersyndrome and GeekSnack. After joining Wccftech gaming section in 2015, he quickly expanded his video gaming coverage with in-depth reporting, interviews with iconic industry figures such as Grasshopper Manufacture founder and No More Heroes creator Goichi "Suda51" Suda, Resident Evil series creator Shinji Mikami, Team NINJA's president and Nioh series director Fumihiko Yasuda, and Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, reviews and on-the-ground coverage of major industry events such as Gamescom and E3. When he's not reporting or reviewing, Francesco can be found playing the genres he loves most, spending time with his six cats, reading, writing music, playing guitar and drumming for his progressive rock band.
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