PS6 May Slip to 2028, Memory Shortages Put Sony’s Next Console Plan Under Pressure

Author: Qoo Media

Sony’s next PlayStation may arrive later than expected, with a new report suggesting the PS6 could slip from an earlier 2027 target to 2028 or even beyond. The delay, if it happens, would mark a notable shift for a company that has often followed a roughly seven-year console cycle.

The biggest pressure point is said to be the global shortage of high-bandwidth memory, a critical component for next-generation gaming systems. Demand from artificial intelligence and data centers is also drawing heavily from the same supply chain, making component availability more difficult.

Production Costs Could Rise Further

According to a report cited by CNNIndonesia from Geeky Gadgets on Monday, July 13, the memory crunch could push PS6 manufacturing costs higher. Sony may then be forced to adjust some hardware specifications, including a possible reduction in RAM capacity.

That possibility matters because the company is also trying to position the PS6 in a crowded premium gaming market. New high-end devices are already appearing with steep price tags, narrowing the room for Sony to set its own strategy.

A Lower Price Than Some Premium Rivals

Valve’s Steam Machine is said to start at US$1,049, while Microsoft’s Project Helix is priced above US$1,000. In that context, Sony is expected to lean toward a more accessible launch price for the PS6.

The reported target price is around US$750, which would keep the flagship model below several of its premium competitors. That approach suggests Sony is trying to balance hardware ambition with a more competitive entry point for buyers.

Two More Devices Are Reportedly in the Works

The company is also said to be considering two additional products alongside the main console. One is Project Canas, a handheld device designed for portable gaming, while the other is a more affordable PS6 variant aimed at budget-conscious players.

Product Role Reported Price
Project Canas Handheld device for portable gaming Not stated
Affordable PS6 version Option for players with limited budgets US$350-US$500
Main PS6 Next-generation flagship console Around US$750

The cheaper PS6 model is reported to fall in the US$350-US$500 range, widening Sony’s reach across different buyer segments. If accurate, the lineup would allow the company to serve both premium users and more price-sensitive gamers.

Digital-Only Direction Could Arrive in 2028

The same report says Sony could end support for physical discs starting in 2028 and move fully toward a digital ecosystem. That direction aligns with an industry trend that has been steadily reducing the role of physical media.

Financially, Sony may even accept thin margins or losses on the console itself, then make up the difference through game sales, subscriptions, and digital content. That model is already familiar across the console business, where hardware often serves as the gateway to longer-term revenue.

For now, the PS6 timetable and product strategy remain unconfirmed. But if the report proves accurate, Sony’s next generation will arrive later than expected and with a broader, more aggressive plan for pricing, device categories, and digital distribution.

Source: www.cnnindonesia.com
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