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The newly confirmed PS5 Power Save mode that'll be bundled into the full release of the system's next firmware update has lent more legitimacy to speculation surrounding a handheld device that'll accompany the next-gen PS6.

Announced earlier today, Sony is testing an official Power Save mode for the PS5 that will "scale back performance and will allow your PS5 to reduce its power consumption when the feature is enabled optionally by gamers".

This mode was mentioned last month in a series of rumours that claimed Sony is preparing a "reduced bandwith" mode, which PS5 titles running on the handheld system could be optimised for. Of course, Sony itself won't confirm anything beyond saying the Power Save mode is part of its commitment to reaching "net-zero greenhouse gas emissions".

However, if it has a secret second use for the rumoured PS6 handheld device, then the Power Save mode in question is now an official thing.

According to speculation, the PS6 handheld could run current PS5 titles at lower resolutions and frame rates, but could utilise the PSSR upscaling feature currently available on PS5 Pro. With the new PS5 Power Save mode, it appear developers have a target — at least unofficially in the public space — to aim for if they wish to support the supposed device. It's apparently pitched as a next-gen version of the current slate of PC handhelds, like the ROG Xbox Ally X.

The Verge makes this point too: "The feature is clearly part of Sony’s environmental commitments, but it also sounds like an early way to get PS5 developers ready to think about offering even more modes for games — especially if a portable PlayStation console is on the way that plays PS5 games on the go."

The PS6 itself is still said to be years away from releasing, with PlayStation system architect Mark Cerny recently stating he's on a "multi-year" plan when working towards the next generation.

Are you interested in a PS6 handheld accompaniment alongside the main console? Let us know in the comments below.

[source News: PS6's Rumoured Handheld Is Getting More Tangible by the Day]