Analyst anticipates PS6 release date delay as impressive PS5 console and game sales continue

Industry analyst David Gibson predicts Sony may postpone the PlayStation 6 release amid sustained PlayStation 5 momentum and rising hardware costs. In a recent paywalled report for Sandstone Insights, Gibson highlighted Sony's stronger-than-expected financial performance in Q3 FY2025, with PlayStation driving projected sales of 1.8 trillion yen and operating profits of 160 billion yen.

Machine-translated David Gibson report highlights potential PS6 delay (Image source: Sandstone Insights)

The robust PS5 performance stems partly from holiday discounting that countered recent sales slowdowns. Circana's December U.S. data confirms stable hardware adoption, while software sales exceeded expectations despite limited first-party titles. This financial stability gives Sony flexibility to extend the current console generation rather than rushing the PS6 launch.

Technical specifications for the next-generation console appear already in development, with industry sources suggesting an AMD "Orion" APU featuring RDNA 5 architecture. However, extended delays could prompt Sony to revise these configurations. A primary concern involves rising component costs, particularly for storage and memory. While Sony maintains PS5 component reserves, the PS6 will likely require 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM - currently expensive due to market-wide shortages affecting even devices like Valve's Steam Machine.

Opinions diverge on timing. Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson suggests both Microsoft and Sony are discussing postponements, while Moore's Law Is Dead contends manufacturers will wait for memory prices to stabilize. Market realities complicate any next-gen launch: Current PS5 and Xbox Series X models still sell above their original $499 MSRPs, raising concerns about consumer willingness to upgrade amid economic uncertainty. Analysts question whether premium pricing for a PS6 (potentially exceeding $600) could deliver sufficient value improvements over existing hardware.

The situation creates strategic tension between Sony's successful current generation and next-gen ambitions. With PS5 maintaining strong sales velocity, Sony faces pressure to balance technological ambition against component economics and consumer price sensitivity - factors that could ultimately determine whether the PS6 arrives in 2027 or later.