If you’ve been eagerly waiting for the PlayStation 6, you might want to temper your expectations. According to a new report, the global computer memory shortage—driven largely by the AI boom—could push back the PS6’s release date beyond Sony’s original plans.
Here’s what we know so far and why this matters for gamers looking forward to the next generation of consoles.
Why Is the PS6 Potentially Being Delayed?
A recent report from Insider Gaming suggests that the video gaming industry is seriously discussing the possibility of delaying next-generation console releases, including the PS6. The culprit? A global shortage of RAM (random access memory) that’s affecting tech manufacturers across the board.
Sony is reportedly weighing whether it makes more sense to delay the console rather than stick to its originally planned release window. According to previous leaks, Sony had been targeting a November 2027 release for the PlayStation 6.
So, what’s changed?
The AI Boom and RAM Shortages
The rise of artificial intelligence has created unprecedented demand for computer memory. AI applications—from large language models to machine learning systems—require massive amounts of RAM to function effectively. This surge in demand has created a ripple effect throughout the entire tech industry.
As Mashable has previously reported, laptop and smartphone manufacturers have already been forced to raise prices on their products to cope with these shortages. The AI boom shows no signs of slowing down, which means global memory shortages are likely to continue well into the new year and beyond.
Computer manufacturers are already warning customers that additional price increases are on the way. And now, it seems next-generation gaming consoles are caught in the crossfire.
Sony’s Dilemma: Three Options, None of Them Ideal
If Sony wants to stick with a 2027 release for the PS6, the company faces a difficult choice. There are essentially three options, and each comes with its own set of challenges:
Option 1: Pass the Cost onto Customers
Sony could maintain the planned 2027 release and simply charge more for the PS6 to cover the higher cost of RAM. The problem? This could seriously hurt sales numbers.
Console launches are already expensive for consumers, and pricing the PS6 too high could alienate potential buyers—especially if competitors like Microsoft’s next Xbox manage to undercut them on price.
Option 2: Absorb the Extra Costs
Alternatively, Sony could eat the additional costs themselves and maintain a more competitive price point. However, this would significantly impact profit margins, which isn’t ideal for a company trying to justify the massive investment required to develop and manufacture a new console.
Option 3: Delay the Release
According to the new report, this is the option now being seriously discussed. Rather than risk either high prices or razor-thin margins, Sony could simply wait.
The hope is that over the next couple of years, RAM supply will increase and prices will drop back down to more manageable levels. This would allow Sony to launch the PS6 at a competitive price without sacrificing profitability.
What This Means for Gamers
For PlayStation fans, a delay would be disappointing—but it might not be all bad news.
A later release date could give Sony more time to:
- Refine the hardware – More development time means a more polished, powerful console
- Build up a stronger launch lineup – Extra time could translate to better games at launch
- Avoid supply chain issues – Launching during a period of better component availability could mean fewer stock shortages
That said, it also means you’ll be waiting longer to experience the next generation of PlayStation gaming.
The Broader Impact on the Gaming Industry
It’s not just Sony that’s affected by these RAM shortages. The entire gaming industry is feeling the pressure.
If Sony delays the PS6, it’s quite possible that Microsoft will face similar challenges with the next Xbox. The two companies are often neck-and-neck when it comes to console release schedules, and both would be dealing with the same component shortages.
This could lead to:
- A longer current console generation (PS5/Xbox Series X|S)
- Mid-generation hardware refreshes becoming more important
- More focus on cloud gaming and streaming services as an alternative
When Will RAM Shortages End?
According to Micron, one of the world’s largest memory manufacturers, the RAM shortage driving up tech prices won’t end any time soon. Industry experts suggest that it could be a couple of years before supply catches up with demand.
This timeline aligns with the potential PS6 delay. If Sony waits until 2028 or even 2029 to launch the PlayStation 6, they might be able to avoid the worst of the shortage and the associated price pressures.
What Happens Next?
For now, nothing is confirmed. Sony has not made any official announcements regarding the PS6’s release date—delayed or otherwise.
However, if these reports are accurate, we could see:
- Official confirmation of a delay in the coming months
- More mid-generation upgrades for the PS5 to keep the console competitive
- Greater focus on software and services like PlayStation Plus to keep current users engaged
Should You Worry?
If you’re a PlayStation fan, this news isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. The PS5 is still a powerful console with plenty of life left in it, and Sony continues to release major titles that push the hardware to its limits.
A delayed PS6 simply means the current generation will last a bit longer—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It gives developers more time to master the PS5’s capabilities and gives you more time to enjoy your current console before upgrading.
That said, if you were holding off on buying a PS5 in anticipation of the PS6, you might want to reconsider. It could be several more years before the next generation arrives.
Final Thoughts
The global RAM shortage caused by the AI boom is affecting industries far beyond gaming, but the potential delay of the PS6 is a stark reminder of how interconnected the tech world has become.
For now, all eyes are on Sony to see how they navigate this challenge. Will they push forward with a 2027 release despite the higher costs? Or will they play it safe and delay the console until component prices stabilise?
Only time will tell—but one thing is certain: the wait for the PlayStation 6 just got a little bit longer.
