The AI-Fueled Memory Crisis Might Delay The PS6 By Two Years

"That's according to Bloomberg, whose latest report on the AI-fueled memory crisis includes two sources familiar with Sony's "thinking" who claim the console manufacturer is already "considering" pushing its PS6 launch plans back by a year or two. The report claims that would have big consequences for the company's "carefully orchestrated strategy" to transition users from PS5 to the upcoming hardware."

"Why would a single component price shock delay an entire console generation? In the past, Sony might have released a much more expensive machine to compensate. But in recent years as the total footprint of the console gaming market has plateaued, companies have faced pressure to be more competitive on price to compete with free-to-play ecosystems that are still thriving on old hardware and weaker devices like smartphones."

"Alleged specs for the PS6 began leaking last summer and suggested Sony was prioritizing trying to keep its hardware affordable even as it ramps up power in a console arms race with ever diminishing returns. Speculation was that more moderate spec improvements could keep the PS6 priced at around $400-to-$600 instead of $700-to-$1,000. Sony is also currently working on a handheld that would be able to play PS5 and some cross-gen PS6 games, potentially scaling down performance to keep up with higher-end blockbusters."

An AI-driven memory chip shortage is straining tech supply chains and delaying products such as Valve's Steam machine pre-orders. Sony is reportedly considering pushing the PlayStation 6 launch from a rumored late 2027 to 2028 or 2029, a move that would disrupt plans to transition users from PS5. Leaked PS6 specs suggest Sony aims for moderate performance gains to keep pricing around $400–$600, while developing a handheld compatible with PS5 and some PS6 cross-gen titles. Market plateau and competition from free-to-play and mobile platforms limit the option to raise console prices.

Read at Kotaku