PS6 may be delayed to 2028 as AI boom raises console component costs

The surge in component prices, driven by the artificial intelligence boom, is now significantly impacting the gaming console market. According to Bloomberg, Sony is considering delaying the launch of the PlayStation 6 to 2028 or even 2029. Sources familiar with the company's plans say that due to rising costs for memory, storage, and other key components, releasing the new system within the previously expected timeframe may no longer be economically viable.

The PS6 was initially expected to debut around 2027. However, amid supply chain instability and rising electronics manufacturing costs, a delay is increasingly seen as a realistic scenario. Analysts note that console manufacturers are particularly vulnerable in the current climate, as a significant portion of modern chips is being diverted to data centers for AI projects, limiting component availability for consumer electronics.

These challenges aren't exclusive to Sony. According to the same sources, Nintendo may raise the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 as early as 2026. The company's leadership had previously stated that the console's cost would remain stable barring major changes in external factors like tariffs and market conditions. But the current chip market situation could force a revision of those plans.

The prospects for the next-generation Xbox are also in question. While Microsoft has suggested a possible 2027 release for its new console, this is viewed as an optimistic scenario. With high chip costs and the risk of an inflated price point, the system could lose consoles' key competitive advantage: affordability compared to PCs. The result could be an industry-wide shift toward later releases and revised pricing strategies.