PS6's memory alone could cost more than the entire PS5, an insider claims

We all knew that PlayStation's next generation console would come with a hefty price tag, but you might be surprised on how much the PS6 could set you back just from its memory costs alone.

Across the industry, prices have been on the rise with numerous hikes on Xbox, PlayStation, Steam and Nintendo consoles this year.

This is mainly due to the increase of AI data centres creating a shortage of computing components, driving hardware prices in what Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has labelled a "RAMpocalypse".

And with the next-gen Xbox console rumoured to cost more than $1000 at launch, it appears to be the same story for PlayStation.

According to KeplerL2, an insider who has accurately reported on hardware in the past, "RAM + NAND" alone will cost more than $680 per PlayStation 6.

This roughly equates to £510, meaning that the cost of the PS6’s memory will be more than the cost of the entire PlayStation 5 on launch, which for the standard edition was $499.99 / £449.99.

And with the 2TB Steam Machine starting at £1,149 for the console alone, massive price tags on the latest consoles in gaming are seemingly becoming normalised, and it appears that AI is a major factor.

We’re still in the dark about when the PS6 will be releasing, with no fixed date in sight most likely due to these insane RAM prices that will only continue in 2027.

View Green Video on the source website

But with so many game developers from Capcom to Xbox embracing AI in game development, is this to the industry’s own detriment?

Concerns about future affordability have been brewing for a while, and in an interview with the BBC Asha Sharma shared that "AI is fundamentally changing a lot of things."

However there are some optimists, Newzoo market intelligence director Manu Rosier told GamesIndustry.biz that "Base next-generation models are likely to hold under $999 for psychological and marketing reasons.

“Premium tiers are a separate question. Component costs sit outside the manufacturers’ control, and there is no sign of an AI-driven cooldown in memory and storage demand."

But as AI advancements continue, it seems that RAM shortages and price hikes will only get worse.

Read more:

• PS6 release date hasn't been decided yet, and you can probably guess why
• "We’re in the middle of RAMpocalypse" Xbox CEO talks future affordability
• Capcom reveals plans to "create games together with AI"

Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.