Sony and AMD Collaborate on Next-Gen Gaming Technology

Sony and AMD have announced the development of three foundational technologies for next-generation gaming hardware, including the PS6. These advancements are set to enhance real-time graphics through machine learning, ray tracing, and data compression.

In a joint presentation, AMD's Jack Huynh and PlayStation architect Mark Cerny outlined innovations aimed at overcoming current gaming limitations. The collaboration builds on existing technologies like FidelityFX Super Resolution and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution.

Cerny emphasized the ambitious nature of the project, with plans to integrate these systems into future consoles. The PS6 is anticipated to launch in 2028, though the technologies currently exist only in simulation.

The first major innovation addresses the role of machine learning in rendering. AMD and Sony have developed 'neural arrays' to enhance GPU efficiency by allowing compute units to share data and work collaboratively.

The second breakthrough targets ray tracing demands. A new hardware block, 'radiance cores', will handle ray traversal, freeing GPU shaders to focus on shading and lighting.

Finally, a 'universal compression' system will address memory bandwidth issues by compressing all data types, reducing bandwidth usage. These technologies promise a smarter architecture for next-gen gaming performance.