Former PlayStation chief advises Sony to choose between PS6 and a handheld console

Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden warned Sony that launching the PS6 and a new handheld console at the same time would be a major mistake. He said the company would struggle to support both devices fully.

In an interview on the Trophy Room podcast, the former president of SIE Worldwide Studios recalled his experience working during the PSP and PS Vita era. In his view, developing home and handheld platforms at the same time is extremely difficult. To support both formats successfully, Sony would effectively have to create two separate companies.

Layden explained that home consoles typically generate more money and attract the main audience. As a result, nearly all of the advertising budget goes to the home console, leaving the handheld without enough attention.

Layden cited an example from his past, when Sony’s chief financial officer criticized him. At the time, the PS3 was selling poorly, despite the PSP’s major commercial success.

Layden believes Sony has a good chance of succeeding if its next generation consists exclusively of a handheld console. But, in his view, launching a home PS6 and a handheld at the same time would end in failure. He is convinced that no company can successfully support both platforms simultaneously.