Sony is evaluating a potential delay in the launch of the PlayStation 6 until 2028 or 2029, according to reports citing the impact of a global memory chip shortage driven by demand from artificial intelligence developers. The potential postponement, described as a “major upset” to Sony’s plans, comes as Nintendo similarly considers a price increase for its forthcoming Switch 2 console.
The escalating costs and limited availability of memory chips, particularly RAM, are attributed to the intense demand from companies like Nvidia and Google, who are prioritizing supply for their AI-focused operations. A report by Bloomberg detailed the impact on the console market, noting that AI companies are “the first ones in line for the components,” effectively squeezing out other sectors.
While Sony has not publicly commented on the reports, leaked documents from 2022 initially suggested a PS6 release no earlier than 2027. More recent analysis indicated a 2028 launch was increasingly likely, but the current chip crisis may push that timeline back further. A delay to 2029 would significantly alter Sony’s strategy for maintaining user engagement between console generations, according to Bloomberg’s sources.
Nintendo is responding to the same chip shortage by considering a price increase for the Switch 2, though Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently stated that rising component prices had not yet significantly impacted hardware profitability in the third quarter. Furukawa indicated the company is working to secure stable supplies of memory components through long-term agreements with business partners.
The memory chip shortage is also affecting other tech companies. Valve has already announced a delay for its Steam Machines due to difficulties securing sufficient memory and storage, and Microsoft is reportedly considering another price increase for its Xbox Series X/S consoles. The situation highlights the growing tension between the consumer electronics industry and the rapidly expanding AI sector for access to critical components.
