Former PS Boss Warns: Don't Launch PS6 Handheld With Console

Shawn Layden suggests Sony should skip a home console if PS6 handheld rumors are true, citing struggles selling two hardware pieces simultaneously.

Ever dreamed of playing your PS6 on the go? Recent rumors hint at a handheld from Sony, but former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden has a warning: maybe don't release it alongside a home console.

In a recent chat, Layden pointed out the tricky balancing act of selling two different pieces of hardware at the same time. He said, "It really struggles to sell 2 different pieces of hardware at the same time." That's a bold statement from someone who led PlayStation through its glory days.

Think about it: when you're a gamer, you have limited cash and time. If Sony drops both a PS6 and a handheld, you might have to choose one. And that split focus could hurt both devices. Layden suggests there are "tradeoffs" to having a handheld out simultaneously with a home console.

So, what's the solution? If the handheld rumors are true, Layden hints that Sony might need to pick one path. Maybe they skip a traditional home console and go all-in on a portable powerhouse? That would be a massive shift for PlayStation, but it could be the smart move in a world where portability is king.

Of course, this is all speculation for now. Sony hasn't confirmed any PS6 plans, let alone a handheld. But with Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck proving there's a huge appetite for portable gaming, it's not crazy to think Sony might want a piece of that pie.

Layden's insight comes from experience. He saw firsthand how tough it is to manage multiple hardware lines. Remember the PS Vita? It had great games, but it never matched the PS3's success. And that was with a different market.

So, what do you think? Would you buy a PS6 handheld if it meant no home console? Or do you need that big-screen 4K experience? Let us know in the comments!