Sony Pushes PS5 Low Power Mode as PS6 Handheld Speculation Grows

Sony is reportedly urging developers to more actively support the PlayStation 5’s (PS5) low power mode, according to claims shared by YouTube channel Moore’s Law Is Dead. The renewed push has fueled speculation that the feature may be connected to early preparation for a rumored PS6 handheld, expected to arrive alongside a standard PlayStation 6 console.

According to the leaker, multiple developers have recently received emails from Sony emphasizing direct support for the feature. One developer reportedly said, “We received emails from Sony pushing low-power mode hard… almost like they need us to support it directly eventually.” 

Sony is also said to have shared tutorials and technical documentation, advising studios to maintain 60 frames per second (FPS) by lowering resolution rather than cutting performance.

PS5 Low Power Mode and Possible PS6 Handheld Link

The reported focus on resolution-first optimization has reinforced speculation that the feature suits a portable PlayStation system. A 1080p display with upscaling would rely on stable frame rates, matching how the low-power mode currently operates.

Moore’s Law Is Dead suggested this could indicate groundwork for handheld compatibility rather than only an environmental initiative.

Several PS5 games already support the feature, including Demon’s Souls, and analysis suggests 60 fps can still be achieved with reduced resolution. 

However, even with the mode enabled, some titles reportedly continue to draw close to 100W, far above what a handheld device would require. Supporters of the theory argue that future chipset improvements could significantly reduce those figures.

Sony has publicly framed the PS5's low-power mode around power efficiency and environmental responsibility. There is no official confirmation tying it to the PS6 or a handheld system, and all current information is based on anonymous developer feedback and third-party claims.

If accurate, the push could signal a broader shift in Sony’s long-term hardware strategy as portable gaming continues to gain momentum across the industry.