Inside the Debate: Sony and Microsoft Weigh Delaying PS6 and Xbox Next

Sony and Microsoft are reportedly reassessing the launch timelines for their next-generation consoles, commonly referred to as PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Industry reports suggest that rising component costs and growing pressure on memory supply chains have sparked internal discussions about delaying the next hardware cycle beyond earlier expectations.

Recent reporting highlights one major factor behind these discussions: the sharp increase in RAM prices. According to PureXbox, memory costs have risen significantly as manufacturers compete with AI and data center demand, forcing hardware makers to reconsider both launch timing and system pricing.

Why RAM Prices Are Becoming a Major Obstacle

Modern consoles rely heavily on high-speed memory to support advanced graphics, faster loading, and increasingly complex game worlds. Unlike previous generations, memory now represents a larger portion of total hardware cost. Reports cited by Meristation indicate that DRAM and GDDR prices have surged due to competition from AI accelerators and enterprise hardware, reducing supply available for consumer devices like consoles.

For Sony and Microsoft, launching new consoles during a period of inflated component pricing creates a difficult trade-off. Either companies absorb higher costs and sell hardware at a loss, or they pass those costs on to consumers through higher retail prices. Neither option is particularly attractive in a market already sensitive to price increases.

Longer Console Cycles Are Now on the Table

Sources close to the hardware supply chain suggest that both platform holders are considering extending the current console generation rather than rushing new systems to market. Analysts quoted by TweakTown point out that PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series hardware still have untapped potential, especially as developers continue to refine engines and tools for current platforms.

Extending the generation could allow Sony and Microsoft to wait for memory prices to stabilize while giving developers more time to push existing hardware further. It would also reduce pressure to introduce costly mid-generation refreshes or launch consoles at historically high prices.

What This Means for Players and Developers

For players, a delayed next generation likely means continued support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series systems for several more years. This could translate into better-optimized games, fewer rushed cross-generation releases, and more stable performance as developers focus on familiar hardware.

Developers may also benefit from a longer cycle. Extended hardware lifespans reduce fragmentation and lower development risk, especially for studios already dealing with rising production costs. As Eurogamer notes, longer console generations can create healthier development environments when hardware transitions become less frequent.

No Official Delay Yet, But Signals Are Clear

Neither Sony nor Microsoft has officially announced a delay or confirmed release windows for their next consoles. Both companies continue to support current hardware aggressively through software updates, live-service expansions, and new first-party titles.

Still, the combination of rising memory costs, AI-driven supply pressure, and cautious hardware strategy suggests that the traditional console cycle may be shifting. Whether PlayStation 6 and Xbox Next arrive later than expected remains uncertain, but the debate inside both companies reflects a changing reality for the console market.