PS6 Launch Delayed
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki warns high memory prices will last until 2028, putting 2027 release in doubt
Sony has not fixed a launch date for the PlayStation 6, citing the current state of the global economy and high memory prices. According to CEO Hiroki Totoki, the company needs to take action to survive in the landscape, and a 2027 release is no longer a guaranteed target.
The PS6 launch was originally targeted for 2027, but Sony has had to pivot due to the current economic situation. Totoki mentioned that the company had to harden itself, saying "Considering that importance, we need to take some action. Otherwise, we cannot survive in this landscape."
In May, Totoki stated that Sony had not yet decided on the timing or price of the new console and was considering various simulations, including changing business models. Memory prices are expected to remain high during PlayStation's 2027 fiscal year, with some tech leaders saying they won't level out until at least 2028.
Sony has shifted towards an IP-driven entertainment business, with movies, music, and games accounting for the vast majority of its revenue. The company is using AI to assist with creative work, including automating character hair animation in games. However, the AI boom is also driving shortages of key components and pushing up memory costs across the gaming and entertainment industry.
## Why it matters The uncertainty surrounding the PS6 launch date is significant, as it reflects the challenges faced by the gaming industry in the current economic landscape. The high memory prices and component shortages are affecting not just Sony, but also other major players in the industry. As a result, the launch of the PS6, which was originally expected in 2027, is now less certain.
## What happens next While a 2027 launch for the PS6 remains possible, it is no longer a confirmed date. Sony will need to navigate the current economic challenges and find a way to mitigate the impact of high memory prices and component shortages. The company's shift towards an IP-driven entertainment business may help to reduce its dependence on console sales, but the PS6 remains an important part of its gaming strategy.
