PS6 & Xbox Release Dates: Memory Costs Cause Delay?

next-Gen Xbox and PS6 Release Dates in Jeopardy Amidst Soaring Memory Costs

A surge in memory prices is forcing Sony and Microsoft to re-evaluate the launch timelines for the next generation of consoles, possibly delaying the arrival of the PS6 and the next Xbox until 2028 or beyond. Like PC gaming enthusiasts, console manufacturers are grappling wiht unexpectedly high costs for crucial memory components, leaving them with a difficult choice: increase hardware prices or gamble on a future increase in DRAM production.

The Memory Crunch and its Impact

Record-high memory prices are fueling uncertainty among gamers about the future of console technology. Sony is currently aiming for a potential PS6 launch as early as 2027, while Microsoft and AMD are jointly developing a new Xbox console. However, according to reports from Insider Gaming, discussions regarding potential delays have already begun.

Insider Gaming initially raised concerns about possible shifts in manufacturer plans during a recent podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nCctuh3N2g&t=1254s. The prospect of delayed releases for both the Xbox and PS6 is now gaining traction. One analyst stated that the current situation has prompted console manufacturers to consider postponing the next generation from their previously anticipated 2027-2028 release window.

Did you know? – GDDR7 memory, crucial for next-gen consoles, is also used in high-end graphics cards and desktop computers, intensifying demand and driving up prices across the board.

Strategies for Navigating the Crisis

beyond delaying launches, Sony and Microsoft are also weighing the possibility of increasing the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of upcoming systems. However, there is some optimism that memory prices may stabilize sooner than expected. Major memory vendors, including Samsung and SK Hynix, have the capacity to increase DRAM production and alleviate the current shortage. Currently, though, these companies appear to be prioritizing the demands of the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence data center market.

Both the next-generation Xbox and PS6 are expected to utilize GDDR7 memory. This shortage impacts not only consoles but also the VRAM found in GPUs and the DDR5 modules used in desktop and laptop computers. The rising costs could mean Microsoft’s next console will mirror the increasingly expensive build costs of a high-end Windows gaming PC.

Pro tip – keep an eye on AI developments. The demand from the AI sector is a major factor in memory pricing, and shifts in that market could influence console release timelines.

Prolonging the Current Generation?

The current generation of consoles, the PS5 and Xbox Series X, may see an extended lifespan as an inevitable result of these challenges. Console sales in the US experienced an unexpected slowdown in November, and a significantly higher price tag for the next-gen Xbox or PS6 could further depress revenue.

During a recent industry discussion, the suggestion was made to extend the production run of the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, rising component costs also affect older devices, making this option less viable. A well-known industry leaker, operating under the moniker “Moore’s law is Dead,” even suggested that Microsoft might consider raising prices on its existing consoles.

The impact extends beyond the console market. Valve’s Steam machine is also vulnerable to the escalating prices of DDR5 RAM, with rumors circulating that the compact linux PC’s release, initially planned for Q1 2026, could be postponed.

the current memory market presents a significant hurdle for the gaming industry, forcing manufacturers to adapt and reassess their

Reader question – Do you think manufacturers will prioritize performance