Sony and Microsoft are developing next-generation consoles, the PlayStation 6 and the next-generation Xbox. According to multiple leaks and reports, the next generation console may launch in 2027. However, a new report claims that Sony and Microsoft are considering delaying the launch of the PS6 and next-gen Xbox due to continued increases in RAM prices and hardware availability.
Rising RAM prices may delay the launch of PS5, Next Xbox
With the uncontrolled expansion of artificial intelligence data centers requiring large amounts of high-performance memory, the global consumer hardware market is facing a severe shortage of RAM. As a result, RAM prices skyrocketed even as supply dwindled.
A report from Insider Gaming on Monday said rising RAM prices could delay the launch of next-generation gaming consoles. According to the publication’s sources, RAM price and availability have become a concern for platform holders like Sony and Microsoft.
Consoles have traditionally been sold on a subsidized model, with manufacturers typically absorbing hardware losses and generating revenue through game sales, digital and subscription services. However, the current generation of consoles has seen multiple price increases over the past year due to greater economic challenges and market uncertainty. Since their launch in 2020, the prices of both PS5 and Xbox Series S/X consoles have increased.
The PS6 and next-gen Xbox are expected to cost more than current-generation consoles. Now, with rising hardware prices and availability issues, Sony and Microsoft’s next-generation consoles may cost more than previously expected.
The report claims that concerns over RAM prices and availability have led to manufacturers debating their plans to launch next-generation consoles in the 2027-2028 window. This delay could give hardware prices and availability more time to stabilize as RAM manufacturers expand their infrastructure to meet demand.
The report also said that the prices of PS5 and Xbox Series S/X may increase further in the next two years. The PS5 and high-end Xbox Series X are both priced at $499.99 in the United States. After price increases last year, the disc versions of both consoles now cost $550 and $650 respectively.
PS6 and next-gen Xbox
Sony and Microsoft are developing the PS6 and next-generation Xbox consoles, with several reports and leaks indicating that the two companies will launch the next-generation consoles in 2027. Last October, a well-known leaker claimed that Sony “plans to launch PS6 in 2027, barring any unexpected delays.”
Microsoft said the next-generation Xbox will offer a “very premium, very high-end curated experience” and hinted that its next-generation console will be a Windows-based PC/console hybrid.
However, neither Microsoft nor Sony have revealed their plans for the release of their next-generation consoles.
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