The road to the PlayStation 6 may be bumpier than expected.
According to VICE, ongoing RAM shortages—primarily fueled by booming AI demand—could complicate Sony’s timeline for its next-generation console.
Console manufacturers are actively discussing whether upcoming systems like the PlayStation 6 should stick to a previously rumored 2027–2028 launch window or wait it out until hardware costs stabilize.
The issue centers on DDR5 memory, which has surged in price over the past year as AI companies quietly snapped up large portions of global supply.
“From what we understand, the situation has led console manufacturers to debate whether the next generation of consoles should be delayed from their intended 2027–2028 release window,” the outlet reported, noting that the goal would be to give RAM producers time to expand capacity and bring prices back down.
Adding to the uncertainty is Micron’s recent announcement that it plans to exit the consumer RAM market in 2026. According to VICE, Micron currently accounts for roughly 30 percent of RAM supply, and moving exclusively toward enterprise and AI customers could further tighten availability for gaming hardware.
That said, not everyone is convinced a delay is inevitable. Tech insider Moore’s Law Is Dead addressed the situation in a December podcast, cautioning against drawing conclusions too early.
“The documents I’ve seen behind the scenes say the PS6 is supposed to be manufactured in mid-2027,” he said. “Based on that, we don’t really know if it will be affected yet.”
He added that memory manufacturers are racing to increase output. “There is more RAM coming. They are building out as much as possible. There will be new tech that makes it easier,” he explained, while acknowledging that shortages are still expected through 2026.
Interestingly, the possibility of a delayed PlayStation 6 hasn’t sparked widespread outrage among players. Many fans reacting online say they’re in no rush for a new console and would prefer Sony continue supporting the PlayStation 5 for longer.
“This generation of consoles still has lots to give,” one Reddit user wrote. “Can’t imagine any games releasing now are really struggling to work with the current tech.” Another commenter was even more blunt: “That’s fine, don’t really need new consoles just yet.”
For now, Sony hasn’t confirmed a release date—or a delay—for the PlayStation 6.