The gaming world is on edge as whispers of a delay in the potential launch of the PlayStation 6 (PS6) start to circulate. Industry insiders suggest Sony might be rethinking its release timeline amid an AI chip shortage. Hence, things are not looking good for fans eagerly waiting to get their hands on the next-gen console.
PlayStation 6 could reportedly be delayed until 2028 or 2029
The PS6’s launch is rumoured to be pushed back, with 2028 or 2029 now looking like the likely release window.
The main culprit behind the possible delay is the global memory shortage, primarily driven by the rising demand for AI chips. According to a recent CNBC report, companies like Nvidia and Google are scooping up memory chips, leaving console manufacturers scrambling for supplies.
Furthermore, a Bloomberg report has shed light on the memory chip shortage’s far-reaching impact. As a result of the deficit, the production costs for the PS6 are skyrocketing. This makes it challenging for Sony to stick to its original launch plans.
Reports suggest that Sony is considering postponing the PS6’s launch to 2028 or 2029. This would be a significant departure from Sony’s usual 6-7 year console release cycle. The delay would also mean that the PS5 generation could become the longest in PlayStation history.
In January, an analyst report suggested Sony may delay the PS6 launch beyond 2028, extending the PS5’s lifecycle. Senior analyst David Gibson of MST International, who focuses on game and tech companies, predicted that existing inventory would shield Sony from the short-term impacts of rising memory prices. However, he noted that increased memory cost could become an issue in the next fiscal year (ending March 2027), saying Sony might pass on future cost increases to consumers.
“Going forward, we intend to further negotiate with various suppliers to secure enough supply to meet the demand of our customers,” Sony’s chief financial officer, Lin Tao, said.
Meanwhile, Nintendo is also reportedly contemplating a price increase for the Switch 2 later this year. However, neither company has issued an official statement regarding these developments.
