New information from a reputable source seems to have given us a closer look at the processing power in two next-gen consoles, the PlayStation 6 and Xbox’s Project Helix. Both systems’ chips have reportedly reached the tape-out stage, according to hardware leaker KeplerL2. Alleged GPU compute figures reveal 40 TFLOPS for the PS6 and 56 TFLOPS for the next-gen Xbox.

Based on these numbers, the next-generation Xbox could have 40% more GPU compute than the PlayStation 6 – in theory. The rumored specs are sourced from comments by KeplerL2 on NeoGAF forums. For comparison, the Xbox Series X is rated at roughly 12 TFLOPS, while the PS5 is listed at 10.28 TFLOPS. The PlayStation 5 Pro reaches approximately 16.7 TFLOPS.

PlayStation 6 and Project Helix compared so far

While the next-gen Xbox may end up offering 40% more theoretical GPU compute, we still do not know any gaming performance metrics. In other words, these rumored specs do not mean Project Helix will, for sure, be 40% faster in gaming than the PlayStation 6. In any case, you can take a look at a summary of some of the rumored specs so far below.

When it comes to hardware and semiconductors, the ‘tape-out’ is the final phase of the blueprinting process, essentially finalizing the specs before they are sent off to production. Such early details obviously won’t be confirmed by Sony or Microsoft themselves, but Kepler claims both next-gen consoles “are taped out” already.

There’s still no official word on when these consoles will be released, and Sony’s CEO recently admitted that the PS6 release date is still undecided, so we’re likely still far away from launch. On the Project Helix side of things, Xbox was recently spotted surveying Xbox Insiders to ask them whether the console should have physical discs and exclusive games.

As hardware costs have continued to rise – fueled by AI demand for memory and storage components – industry experts have suggested both the PS6 and Project Helix could face a nearly 40% sales drop if they end up costing four figures. Both rival companies have been raising the price of their existing consoles lately, so a $1,000+ price tag is getting closer to reality.

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Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.