PS6 Portable vs Xbox Helix S: AMD Medusa Specs Compared

The next generation of gaming hardware could reshape the handheld console market, with Microsoft and Sony reportedly preparing portable systems based on AMD's upcoming processor architecture. Microsoft's Xbox Helix S handheld is rumored to feature more graphics hardware than Sony's next-generation PlayStation portable, potentially giving it an advantage in both handheld and docked gaming.

A major hardware leak has revealed details about Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Helix S and Sony's next-generation portable console. According to hardware analyst The Fox, who shared the reported internal specifications during a recent podcast, Microsoft's first-party dockable handheld could have a graphics advantage over Sony's next-generation portable.

Xbox Helix S Could Feature 24 RDNA 5 Compute Units

The reported specs suggest Microsoft's Xbox Helix S handheld could feature a custom RDNA 5 graphics processor with 24 compute units. Meanwhile, Sony's next-generation handheld is reportedly using the same Medusa chip layout but with only 16 RDNA 5 compute units. Looking at the hardware specifications, 24 compute units versus 16 means Microsoft's handheld would have 50% more graphics hardware.

This gives Xbox an advantage in the number of graphics processing units available to handle games. The analyst also discussed the Medusa Premium configuration, which is currently scheduled for the Xbox Helix Series S, also referred to as Xbox Series S 2. The processor is expected to use the FP10 socket and RDNA 5 graphics architecture.

Current information suggests the system could use LPDDR5X memory, although LPDDR6 is also being considered. The exact memory configuration has not been confirmed. However, the reported 24 compute units versus Sony's 16 suggest Microsoft's handheld could have more graphics processing power.

When running on their internal batteries, the performance difference might be less noticeable. Both systems could be limited to around 15W to 20W, or slightly higher, to manage power consumption and prevent the battery from draining too quickly. However, the situation could change when you connect these handhelds to a TV dock and an external power source.

Docking lets the processors run at higher power limits, potentially reaching 30W to 35W.

This is where Microsoft's reported hardware configuration could make a difference. Sony's portable system, with only 16 compute units, has fewer graphics resources to scale performance for larger displays. It may therefore need to rely on lower internal rendering resolutions, potentially producing a softer image on a television.

With 24 RDNA 5 compute units running at higher power, the Xbox handheld could have more room to increase its rendering performance. The reported specifications suggest it could target internal rendering resolutions of 1080p or 1440p before upscaling to 1440p or 4K output for a television.

This could allow the Xbox handheld to function as a traditional console replacement when docked. Sony's portable system, on the other hand, could rely more heavily on PSSR 3 upscaling to produce its final image. The reported specifications suggest how both companies could approach their next-generation handheld systems.

FAQ

Q. How many RDNA 5 compute units could the Xbox Helix S handheld feature?

A. The Xbox Helix S handheld is reportedly equipped with 24 RDNA 5 compute units, compared to 16 compute units in Sony's upcoming PS6 portable.

Q. How much more graphics hardware could Xbox Helix S have than the PS6 portable?

A. Xbox Helix S could have 50% more physical graphics hardware than Sony's PS6 portable, based on the reported 24-versus-16 compute unit configuration.

Q. Could the Xbox Helix S support 4K gaming in docked mode?

A. The reported hardware could allow the Xbox Helix S to render games at 1080p or 1440p and reconstruct the image for 4K output when connected to a TV dock.

Q. When could Microsoft's Xbox Helix S handheld launch?

A. According to a Fortune report, Microsoft's dockable Xbox handheld could launch in 2027, followed by the main Helix console in 2028.