- Manufacturing costs have skyrocketed due to the global RAM and AI crisis.
- The final price is estimated to range between 700 and 1.000 euros.
- The launch is targeted for late 2028, driven by the transition to digital format.
- Sony has warned that it does not intend to sell the hardware at a significant loss.
The gaming community already has its sights set on the future, and although we're still enjoying the current generation, the buzz surrounding the PlayStation 6 is starting to grow louder. And rightly so, because the technological leap Sony is preparing promises to be massive, but that advancement comes at a price that could leave more than a few people speechless.
Things are complicated because we're not just talking about power, but also a global economic situation that's driving up the cost of basic components. Between material shortages and new business strategies, the road to Sony's new console seems fraught with uncertainty and, possibly, some hefty price tags.
When will the PS6 arrive in our homes?
For a while, it was said that late 2027 would be the key date, following the usual seven-year cycle between generations. However, plans have changed. Sony has dropped the bombshell that it will stop manufacturing physical discs for new games starting in January 2028. This is a very clear sign that the PS6 won't arrive before then, as it wouldn't make sense to launch a new console while the ecosystem remains tied to physical media.
Therefore, most analysts, such as those at Ampere Analysis, see the end of 2028 as the most realistic scenario. There is even a possibility that it could be delayed until 2029 if the economy doesn't cooperate. Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki has been adamant in admitting that they don't have a firm date or a fixed price, as they prefer to test the waters and see how the components market evolves.
The big headache: The price of the components
If you're wondering why the console can be so expensive, the short answer is: Artificial Intelligence . The AI boom has caused the demand for RAM to skyrocket to power data centers, leaving consoles in a vulnerable position. RAM prices have reached five times higher than they were in July 2025, and they don't appear to be coming down anytime soon.
This has already affected the PS5, whose prices have risen in Europe, with the PS5 Pro nearing €900. The leaker KeplerL2, who is usually right on the mark, has revealed that the bill of materials (BoM) for a PS6 could already be around $960. If that's the manufacturing cost, it's clear that the final consumer price will be considerably higher than the €499 we paid for the PS5 at launch.
Price estimates: Are we looking at 1.000 euros?
This is where things get tense. Sony has made it clear that it doesn't want to sell hardware at a significant loss. They are no longer willing to absorb all the costs to make money solely from games. Depending on the strategy they pursue, we have several possible scenarios:
- Moderate scenario: A basic digital console that costs around... 699 and 799 euroswhere Sony assumes a small initial loss in order to gain users.
- Realistic scenario: A price that falls between 899 and 999 euros, similar to what the PS5 Pro costs today, to avoid losing money on each unit sold.
- Extreme scenario: Overcoming the barrier of 1.000 Euros if the NAND Flash and DRAM memory crisis worsens.
Launching a console for €1.000 would be a huge risk. According to Ampere Analysis, such a price could sink initial sales by up to 38% compared to the previous generation, forcing Sony to find creative ways to monetize the console or subsidize it.
Will it be an exclusively digital console?
Everything points to yes. If games are no longer released on discs by 2028, including a Blu-ray drive as standard would be an unnecessary manufacturing expense . The PS6 will most likely be a digital-only release, although Sony could offer an optional external drive for those who want to continue using their PS4 and PS5 discs, repeating the PS5 Digital Edition model.
Is it worth waiting or buying a PS5 now?
If you're hesitating, the general recommendation is not to sit idly by. Buying a refurbished PS5 is, right now, the smartest move. You save a ton of money, you get a massive game library, and you don't have to wait years to play. Plus, buying refurbished is much more sustainable and lets you take advantage of the current power without risking the exorbitant price the PS6 will have at launch.
The PlayStation 6 is shaping up to be a powerful but very expensive machine, with a likely launch in late 2028 and a price that could range between €700 and €1.000 due to supply chain issues and the influence of AI. Sony is looking to avoid significant losses on the hardware, suggesting that the generational leap will be accompanied by a notable price increase for gamers.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.