PlayStation 6 was originally planned for 2027, but soaring memory chip prices could push the launch to 2028 or even 2029, according to Bloomberg. Existing consoles are already being affected.
There is a shortage of memory chips, both DRAM and NAND storage modules, driven by heavy demand for AI chips from companies like Google, OpenAI and Meta.
This is a crisis unlikely to ease soon, as companies building AI data centers have announced significantly higher chip investments this year. Before prices can stabilize, new factories for memory chip production must be built.
Valve already affected
Valve, known for Steam, is already feeling the impact. They have had to postpone the launch of both Steam Machine and Steam Frame, their new gaming console and VR headset.
This week, Valve announced that their handheld gaming console, the Steam Deck OLED, can be "out-of-stock intermittently in some regions due to memory and storage shortages".
- "(Nintendo) is also contemplating raising the price of that device (Switch 2) in 2026", reported Bloomberg.
Buy before price hikes?
There have already been price increases for consoles, making this generation the first where prices have consistently risen. However, these increases were not directly caused by the RAM shortage.
If you are thinking about buying a console, it may be wise to act soon. The RAM crisis will undoubtedly have an impact, and we are already seeing the early signs.
- "DRAM shortages are set to persist across the electronics, telecom, and automotive industries throughout the year," says MS Hwang, market analyst at Counterpoint. "We are already seeing signs of panic buying within the auto sector, while smartphone manufacturers are pivoting toward more cost-effective chip alternatives to mitigate the impact."
PS6 could be delayed
The memory crisis could also affect the launch of next-generation consoles, such as PlayStation 6 and the new Xbox. These consoles were reportedly scheduled for release in fall 2027.
- "Sony Group Corp. is now considering pushing back the debut of its next PlayStation console to 2028 or even 2029, according to people familiar with the company’s thinking," reports Bloomberg.
If the crisis delays PS6, it will likely also impact or influence the launch of the next Xbox.
The shortage now hangs over much of the electronics industry like a dark cloud. Samsung has warned that TV panel prices could rise.
- Source: Bloomberg
