Sony Eyes 2028 or 2029 Launch Amid RAM Shortage

Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly considering a significant delay for the PlayStation 6, pushing its debut to 2028 or even 2029, according to people familiar with the company’s plans cited in a Bloomberg report. The shift stems from ongoing shortages of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) components, skyrocketing prices driven by artificial intelligence demand and a strategy to extend the PlayStation 5’s lifecycle.

A seven-year gap from the PS5’s November 2020 launch would traditionally point to a late 2027 release, aligning with patterns from PS4 (2013) to PS5. However, supply chain woes and strong PS5 sales—bolstered by the PS5 Pro’s November 2025 debut—have prompted Sony to reassess.

Bloomberg Report Details the Delay Factors Bloomberg’s sources indicate Sony executives are wary of launching an expensive next-gen console too soon. HBM memory, crucial for PS6’s targeted performance, faces deficits as AI data centers gobble up supply from manufacturers like Samsung and Micron. Prices have surged, potentially inflating the PS6’s retail cost beyond $700–$800, deterring mass adoption in a market still digesting PS5 Pro units priced at $699.

“Sony is now considering pushing back the debut of its next PlayStation console to 2028 or even 2029,” the report states, marking a departure from earlier optimism. This aligns with analyst David Gibson’s January 2026 forecast from Macquarie, who pegged a “high likelihood” of post-2028 launch, citing Sony’s focus on PS5 longevity.

Sony has remained silent, but President Hiroki Totoki hinted at extended cycles during a February 2026 earnings call, noting PS5 sales exceeding 75 million units and robust software revenue.

Earlier 2027 Rumors Now in Doubt 2025 leaks fueled 2027 hype. In October, insider “Moores Law Is Dead” claimed PS6 production ramps mid-2027, with a Q4 launch. Reddit discussions and leakers like KeplerL2 echoed this, citing documents showing manufacturing timelines. However, recent X posts and analyst updates dismiss 2027 as unrealistic amid component crises.

Expected PS6 Features Amid Uncertainty Rumors persist on hardware. PS6 is tipped for AMD’s UDNA GPU architecture, Zen 5 CPU, 32GB GDDR7 RAM and ray-tracing prowess rivaling PCs. A dockable handheld variant—echoing PS Vita—surfaced in August 2025 leaks, potentially launching alongside. Pricing speculation: $599 base, per some insiders, half an expected next-gen Xbox.

Sony’s strategy emphasizes backward compatibility, PSSR upscaling (like PS5 Pro) and AI-driven features for 8K/120fps gaming.

Market and Competition Implications A 2028–2029 window gives PS5 more runway, with titles like GTA VI (2026) and potential exclusives sustaining demand. It also syncs with Nintendo’s Switch 2 (mid-2026) and Microsoft’s Xbox next-gen (2028?), per Bloomberg.

Critics argue delay risks losing ground to PC gaming and cloud services, but proponents see wisdom in avoiding a pricey launch during economic uncertainty.

Sony’s Broader Console Strategy Sony’s pivot reflects industry shifts. PS5 Pro’s success—over 5 million units sold by February 2026—proves mid-gen refreshes extend lifecycles. Handheld rumors suggest diversification, countering Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

Fan reactions on X and Reddit mix frustration and acceptance: “PS6 in 2029? PS5 Pro holds me over,” one user posted.

As rumors evolve, expect clarity at Sony’s February 26, 2026, investor day or Tokyo Game Show. For now, PS6’s horizon stretches further, prioritizing viability over speed.