PlayStation 6 Delay: Why Sony Is Holding Back

Sony could delay the PlayStation 6 launch until 2028 or later, according to new financial analysis. The company appears confident in the PS5’s continued dominance, with no immediate pressure to release a successor. Analysts cite soaring memory chip costs and record PS5 sales as key reasons behind the potential delay. For gamers eagerly searching for the next console, this means patience will be required before experiencing Sony’s next-generation hardware.

PS5 Dominance Reduces Urgency for PS6

The PS5 continues to dominate the console market, holding an impressive 71.6% share against Xbox. With 84.2 million units shipped as of September 2025, Sony sees limited incentive to accelerate the PS6’s development. Strong first-party titles, coupled with blockbuster third-party releases, have kept PS5 sales strong. Grand Theft Auto 6, expected in November 2026, is likely to further boost PS5 purchases, reducing immediate demand for a new console.

Rising Memory Costs Could Stall Next-Gen Plans

One of the biggest challenges for Sony is the soaring cost of high-end memory chips. Data centers now consume roughly 70% of premium DRAM production, driving prices up by 50% in late 2025. Analysts project these costs could rise by up to 70% through 2026, with relief not expected until 2028. Launching a PS6 during this period could force Sony to either increase prices or compromise on hardware specs, risking consumer backlash.

Lessons from PlayStation 3’s Launch

History may also be guiding Sony’s cautious approach. When the PlayStation 3 launched in 2006, it came with a high price tag of $499–$599 (around $800–$964 today), which some analysts believe hindered its sales compared to the more affordable Xbox 360. Sony appears to be learning from this, preferring to delay a launch rather than risk repeating the mistake with the PS6.

Financial Strength Gives Sony Flexibility

Sony’s Q3 fiscal results, expected to be released on February 5, 2026, are projected to show ¥1.8 trillion ($11.8 billion) in sales and ¥160 billion ($1 billion) in operating income. Strong sales performance from both first-party and third-party titles is allowing the company to prioritize profitability over speed. This financial cushion enables Sony to wait for favorable market conditions, ensuring the PS6 launches with optimal hardware and pricing.

What This Means for Gamers

For players, the PS6 delay means the PS5 will remain relevant for years to come. Game developers can continue to release high-quality titles on the current platform, while consumers can enjoy proven hardware without rushing into next-gen purchases. However, anticipation for the PS6 is only expected to grow, particularly as AI and graphics innovations promise a leap forward in gaming experiences once it finally arrives.

The Road Ahead for Sony

With PS5 sales still strong and high memory costs discouraging early PS6 production, Sony’s conservative approach makes sense. Analysts expect a potential 2028 launch, but with the company closely monitoring chip prices and consumer trends, the timing could shift. Gamers should prepare for a longer PS5 lifecycle, while keeping an eye on announcements that could reveal when Sony finally unveils the next console generation.