Sony reportedly preparing PS6 and a new PlayStation handheld as it pilots player-scanning program

Lead: hardware rumours — and a new way to put players into games

It has been reported that Sony has notified developers it is preparing the next generation PlayStation console (commonly referred to as "PS6") and a new PlayStation handheld. At the same time Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is rolling out a new "Playerbase" initiative that will digitally scan real players and embed them into PlayStation Studios games. The hardware claims remain unverified and should be treated as a rumour for now; the Playerbase program was reported by IThome (IT之家) and carried by Phoenix New Media (凤凰网 / ifeng).

What Playerbase does — photogrammetry, mocap and crowd casting

According to the reporting, Playerbase pairs multi‑camera photogrammetry with face and body motion capture to produce high‑fidelity 3D models of participating players, capturing facial detail, body proportions and texture. Players can be recorded for facial animation and body movement so their likeness or motion can appear in scenes as background characters, walk‑ons or serviceable NPCs rather than as principal protagonists. Applicants will be screened, some invited to video interviews, and one early winner reportedly will have their likeness added to Gran Turismo 7 (跑车浪漫旅 7) as part of the program’s launch.

Rumours, context and what Western readers should know

Why care? PlayStation is one of the three global console platforms alongside Microsoft and Nintendo; a PS6 cycle would be closely watched by gamers, developers and component suppliers. But again: the developer notification about new Sony hardware has not been independently confirmed and should be read as reported intelligence rather than an official product announcement. Is Sony preparing to re‑enter the handheld market? That question matters because handhelds change the console competitive set and software strategy.

Broader implications and final note

Any move toward new hardware—especially at a time of tighter global semiconductor supply and increasing scrutiny of advanced chips—would have supply‑chain and geopolitical implications for manufacturers and partners. The Playerbase plan also raises obvious privacy and consent questions around the collection and reuse of biometric and motion data; the reports do not detail comprehensive safeguards. For now, gamers should watch for an official SIE statement; until then the PS6 and a new PlayStation handheld remain reported plans rather than confirmed launches.