Sony may push ahead with PS6 despite rising component costs

Rumors about the PlayStation 6 being delayed due to rising component costs may have been exaggerated. According to well-known hardware insider Moore’s Law Is Dead, Sony is unlikely to push back the launch of its next-generation console, even as RAM prices climb across the industry.

The concern stems from what some analysts have dubbed a “RAMmageddon,” where demand for memory chips, driven heavily by AI infrastructure, is pushing prices higher across the tech industry. Some earlier reports suggested the situation could delay next-generation consoles until 2028 or even 2029. But Moore’s Law Is Dead argues that delaying the PS6 would actually cost Sony more than simply paying higher prices for memory components.

Why delaying the console may be more expensive

One major reason is manufacturing commitments. Sony has reportedly already secured production capacity from TSMC for the console’s processor, which is expected to be built on a 3nm process starting around mid-2027. Backing out of those contracts or delaying production could lead to significant financial penalties and potentially push Sony to the back of the manufacturing queue.

MLID also notes that Sony has already invested heavily in developing the PS6’s custom APU, codenamed Orion, in partnership with AMD. Development costs for console silicon can run into tens of millions of dollars, making a last-minute delay far more disruptive than absorbing higher memory prices during the early months of the console’s lifecycle.

There’s also precedent for this strategy. When the PlayStation 5 launched in 2020, Sony dealt with rising component prices and supply-chain disruptions during the pandemic. Instead of delaying the console, the company pushed ahead with its launch window and managed the cost pressures through pricing adjustments and logistics changes.

Regardless, for now, Sony hasn’t officially announced the PlayStation 6 or confirmed its launch window. However, most recent leaks and industry speculation still point toward a 2027 release timeframe, with the possibility of slipping into early 2028 if necessary.