Sony’s lead system architect Mark Cerny has confirmed that the next-generation PlayStation console, widely expected to be the PlayStation 6, is currently in development and will arrive “in a few years’ time.” The announcement came during a detailed technical discussion between Cerny and AMD engineers on Sony’s official YouTube channel, focusing on the collaborative initiative known as Project Amethyst. The presentation offered an early look at several breakthrough technologies that will define the next generation of console gaming, including machine learning-driven rendering, neural processing arrays, and dedicated hardware for real-time path tracing.
Cerny, joined by AMD’s senior representatives, described Project Amethyst as a joint research effort to revolutionize how graphics are rendered in real time. The discussion began with a focus on neural acceleration and machine learning integration within future PlayStation hardware. According to AMD, these technologies will power smarter rendering pipelines, improved visual fidelity, and smoother gameplay through co-engineered neural networks designed for both FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) and Sony’s proprietary PSSR upscaling solution. The two companies explained that the next wave of visual innovation will rely on artificial intelligence as a foundational element, allowing developers to achieve cinematic lighting and realistic materials without the steep performance trade-offs of the past.
One of the central innovations discussed was the introduction of “neural arrays,” a new architectural concept designed to make GPUs more efficient at machine learning workloads. Unlike current GPU structures, where compute units work independently, neuroarrays allow clusters of units to share data dynamically, forming a coordinated AI engine within each shader engine. Cerny explained that this system will enable “bigger ML models, less overhead, more efficiency, and way more scalability,” effectively allowing next-generation consoles to handle complex visual tasks such as denoising, upscaling, and real-time lighting with unprecedented speed.
The discussion then shifted to the evolution of ray tracing and the introduction of a new hardware component dubbed “radiance cores.” These specialized units are designed to manage both ray tracing and full path tracing workloads, enabling true cinematic lighting in real time. AMD described the addition as a fundamental step beyond the current generation’s hybrid solutions, noting that radiance cores “take full control of ray traversal” while freeing the GPU’s shader units to focus solely on shading and geometry. Cerny added that this approach could dramatically increase performance while reducing power consumption, paving the way for consistent real-time path tracing on future PlayStation hardware.
Another major reveal came in the form of “universal compression,” an advanced data-handling system that builds upon existing delta color compression (DCC) used in current consoles. Universal compression dynamically evaluates every piece of data being processed and compresses it when possible, effectively reducing memory bandwidth usage and allowing the GPU to deliver higher frame rates and more detailed visuals. Cerny highlighted its synergy with the newly developed neural and radiance systems, emphasizing that the technology would “deliver the best possible experiences to gamers” through higher efficiency and better utilization of system resources.
While both AMD and Cerny cautioned that these technologies remain in simulation stages, they expressed strong optimism regarding their potential. “It’s still very early days for these technologies,” Cerny noted, “but the results are quite promising, and I’m really excited about bringing them to a future console in a few years’ time.” This statement serves as the clearest indication yet that Sony is actively developing the PlayStation 6, with a likely emphasis on AI-driven graphics and enhanced hardware scalability.
The collaboration under Project Amethyst represents one of the most advanced technical partnerships in the history of console development. AMD concluded the discussion by reaffirming its long-standing relationship with Sony, emphasizing that these innovations are designed not only to enhance visual quality but also to empower game creators and streamline development workflows. If the technologies showcased during this session are fully realized, the PlayStation 6 could mark one of the most significant generational leaps in gaming history—bringing true real-time path tracing, advanced machine learning upscaling, and unparalleled hardware efficiency to the console landscape.
