The video game industry is going through an unusual period due to rising hardware component costs, mainly driven by demand for artificial intelligence and data centers. This situation could delay the arrival of the next generation of consoles.
PS6 pushed back beyond 2028
David Gibson, senior analyst at MST, published a report indicating that Sony expects a longer lifecycle for the PS5 than previous generations. The PS6 launch would likely not happen before 2029, whereas the industry initially expected 2028. This would make the PS5 generation even longer than the PS4’s seven-year run.
Strong financial results for Sony
Forecasts for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending February 2026 are excellent. Sales are expected to reach approximately $11.6 billion, with operating income of around $1 billion. This growth is driven by first-party and third-party games, as well as strong PlayStation Network subscriptions.
Predicted Q3 2026 performance
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total sales | $11.6 billion |
| Operating income | $1 billion |
Sony’s current strategy
The PS5’s strong results reinforce the idea of postponing the PS6. Sony is multiplying initiatives to maximize its current console. Last November, a cheaper PS5 model was launched exclusively in Japan. Significant discounts were also offered during Black Friday 2025. The company is now targeting PS4 users with messages encouraging them to upgrade to PS5.
According to Gibson, Sony is now focusing more on retaining existing PS5 owners rather than increasing console sales. Sales remain strong nonetheless.
Price increase risks
While no price increases have been announced yet, the analyst believes Sony could pass future cost increases onto consumers. This approach aligns with Nintendo’s current position regarding memory shortages.
2026 outlook comparison by manufacturer
| Manufacturer | Growth prospects | Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Sony | Strong growth likely | Solid sales, good financial results |
| Nintendo | Strong growth likely | Stable position facing costs |
| Microsoft | Uncertain | Disappointing Xbox sales in 2025 |
A challenging context for Microsoft
Unlike Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft faces significant challenges. Xbox sales in 2025 were disappointing, raising doubts about the brand’s future console performance.
