Embracer Group Report Indicates PS6 Launch Could Slip to 2028 or 2029

Analysts now anticipate that the PlayStation 6 may not debut until 2028 or 2029, according to a June 2026 annual report from Swedish gaming conglomerate Embracer Group. This projection aligns with earlier Bloomberg reporting and statements from Sony president Hiroki Totoki, who acknowledged uncertainty about the PS6’s release date.

The delay is largely attributed to disruptions in the memory market. Artificial intelligence companies have significantly increased their purchases of DRAM, the fast memory essential for servers and consumer electronics, tightening supply for other sectors. Industry data from IDC forecasts that by 2026, data centers will consume approximately 70% of global DRAM production. Between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, RAM prices surged by about 90%, with analysts predicting an additional 70% increase throughout the remainder of the year. Expectations indicate that this shortage will persist at least until 2027, with some forecasts extending the supply crunch into 2028.

Sony aims to minimize the manufacturing cost of the PS6 at launch, following the conventional console strategy of selling hardware near cost and profiting through software and subscription services. However, this approach is challenged by the current high and volatile prices of critical components. Committing to a launch date would also mean fixing a price point, both of which are currently impractical given the market conditions.

Impact on Current Consoles and Industry

The memory shortage has already caused price increases for existing gaming hardware, including the PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S. Valve has postponed the release of its Steam Machine multiple times but has pledged to launch it before the end of summer.

For owners of the PS5, a postponed PS6 launch could result in an extended period of support and a delayed need to upgrade. Developers, however, face a more complex situation as a prolonged PS5 lifecycle may require allocating resources across multiple console generations, potentially diminishing the impact of PS6-exclusive titles once the new console arrives.

Sony has not officially announced any delay for the PS6. Until such confirmation, the 2028–29 timeframe remains a forecast from analysts rather than an official schedule. Nevertheless, with component costs continuing to rise, the possibility of a postponed launch is a significant consideration.