Sony is reportedly considering delaying the launch of the PlayStation 6 console beyond 2027 due to memory shortage issues plaguing the electronics industry. They are predicted to launch the PS6 in late 2027 because the cycle of each PlayStation generation is around 7 years. The PlayStation 5 that is currently on sale began to be marketed in November 2020.
High demand for NAND for artificial intelligence (AI) data center needs has caused the price of RAM and SSD storage to rise sharply. Device manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Samsung, Dell and Acer have indicated that 2026 devices will be sold at higher prices due to these increased costs. RAM and SSD supplies are expected to only stabilize after 2027.
Even though the PS6 has been delayed, many see it as a positive move since the PS5 is seen as not yet reaching its peak sales. It has managed to beat the Xbox Series S/X in the current-generation console war with games still seen to have satisfactory graphic quality.
But if this report turns out to be true, the console industry seems to be the new victim of the AI industry. Valve has not yet announced the selling price of the Steam Machine, which will be launched in early 2026, because it cannot predict changes in component prices.
