Electronics Glossary · Gaming console chips

Semi-Custom SoC

A system on chip a chipmaker builds for a specific customer by combining its existing CPU and graphics designs to that customer's requirements. Gaming consoles are the best-known examples: the semi-custom AMD chips in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are what those consoles rely on for powering games like the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI. AMD has built semi-custom chips for PlayStation and Xbox since the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, as well as the chip in Valve's Steam Deck, while NVIDIA supplies Nintendo with the Tegra X1 in the original Switch and the custom T239 in the Switch 2. AMD's console chips are manufactured by TSMC.

AMD
PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck
NVIDIA
Nintendo Switch, Switch 2
TSMC
Manufactures AMD console chips
Since 2013
AMD console era

What is a semi-custom SoC?

A semi-custom SoC is a system on chip that a chip company designs for one customer by combining building blocks it already owns, such as CPU cores, graphics, memory controllers and I/O, to that customer's performance, cost, size and power targets. A fully custom chip, with a new CPU and GPU designed from scratch, can cost hundreds of millions of dollars, so semi-custom design is the practical route for most console makers.

AMD's semi-custom chips are what the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S rely on for powering games like the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI. AMD designs the chip around the console maker's requirements, and TSMC manufactures it.

Semi-custom chips in popular gaming consoles

Console	Chip designer	Chip
PlayStation 5 / PS5 Pro	AMD	Custom Zen 2 + RDNA-based APU
Xbox Series X / Series S	AMD	Custom Zen 2 + RDNA 2 APU
Steam Deck	AMD	Custom Zen 2 + RDNA 2 APU
PlayStation 4 / Xbox One	AMD	Custom Jaguar + GCN APU
Nintendo Switch 2	NVIDIA	Custom T239 (Arm Cortex-A78C + Ampere GPU)
Nintendo Switch	NVIDIA	Tegra X1

Specifications are from manufacturer and published teardown sources listed below. A dash means the figure is not covered by those sources.

Why it matters for component buyers

Semi-custom console chips are sold only to the console maker, but the boards around them are built from standard catalog parts: memory, PMICs, regulators, passives, connectors and controller ICs. Those are the components independent distributors like Hybrid source when production lines, repair depots and refurbishers hit shortages.

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Frequently asked questions

Who makes the PS5 and Xbox Series X chips?

AMD designs the semi-custom chips for both consoles, and TSMC manufactures them on a 7nm-class process.

What chip will Grand Theft Auto VI run on?

Grand Theft Auto VI launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, which use AMD semi-custom chips combining Zen 2 CPU cores with RDNA-based graphics.

What chip does the Nintendo Switch 2 use?

The Nintendo Switch 2 uses NVIDIA's custom T239 system on chip, with eight Arm Cortex-A78C CPU cores and an Ampere-based GPU.

What is the difference between a semi-custom SoC and an ASIC?

Both are built for a specific use. A semi-custom SoC reuses a supplier's existing CPU and graphics designs, while an ASIC is typically designed for one narrow function.

Sources

Trademark and affiliation notice. Grand Theft Auto and Grand Theft Auto VI are trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Steam Deck is a trademark of Valve Corporation. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. AMD, Ryzen, Radeon, RDNA and EPYC are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. NVIDIA and Tegra are trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation. Hybrid Electronics is an independent electronic-components sourcing company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by any of these companies. Console chips named on this page are not offered for sale. Information is compiled from public sources for educational and reference purposes. Last updated October 27, 2026.