Sony could face a major pricing problem with the PlayStation 6, as the console’s RAM and NAND storage alone may cost more than $680 per unit, according to hardware insider KeplerL2.
KeplerL2, who has previously reported accurately on AMD hardware, made the claim in a post on the NeoGAF forum.
According to the insider, those components were significantly cheaper when Sony finalized the console’s design.
Memory and Storage Costs Have Surged
Memory and storage prices have risen sharply in recent years, largely because of strong demand from AI data centers.
That pressure has already affected consumer electronics pricing.
The PS5 now costs more than 50% more than it did at launch, following price increases of around $200 / £200.
The broader component shortage is also likely to affect Sony’s plans for the PS6, which had previously been rumored to target a launch as early as 2027.
PS6 Launch Could Slip to 2028
Industry analysts have already questioned whether next-generation consoles could launch for more than $1,000, as hardware prices remain at record highs.
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Aldora CEO Joost van Dreunen said the next console generation may not arrive until 2028.
“At this rate, the next generation may not even release until 2028, and when it does, north of a grand is the floor,” he said.
He also noted that even existing consoles are becoming more expensive.
Base PS6 Could Still Stay Below $1,000
Newzoo market intelligence director Manu Rosier offered a slightly different view.
He said premium versions of next-generation consoles could exceed $1,000, but believes base models are still likely to remain below $999 for marketing and psychological reasons.
Rosier pointed out that the PS5 Pro already costs $899 after two price increases within a year, leaving little distance between current premium hardware and the $1,000 mark.
He also said manufacturers have limited control over component prices and noted that there is currently no sign of AI-driven demand for memory and storage cooling down.
Xbox Is Facing the Same Problem
Microsoft is also developing its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Helix.
Xbox has already warned that rising hardware costs could affect both pricing and availability, and the company has said it is considering new business models to make its next console more affordable.
According to Rosier, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has also said memory costs will affect Project Helix pricing and availability.
If KeplerL2’s claim is accurate, Sony may face the same challenge on an even larger scale, with more than $680 potentially going toward RAM and storage before accounting for the processor, cooling system, motherboard, power supply, chassis, controller, manufacturing and other hardware costs.
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