PS6 price estimate now $1000, and release date delay could raise console's cost further

Despite soaring storage and memory costs, a reliable leaker earlier predicted a PS6 price of $699. With the demand for the components expected to keep rising, insider Kepler_L2 has now revised that number. Still, even at the new estimate of near $1,000, a release date delay may only make the PlayStation console less affordable.

A new reality for gamers

Kepler_L2 previously teased specs for the PS5 successor, which include 30GB of GDDR7 RAM and a 1TB SSD.  Unfortunately, there are signs that those parts will only become more expensive. Micron’s CEO recently warned that memory costs won't subside for at least 5 years.

Accounting for market trends, the leaker has increased his projected bill of materials quoted in March by $200. Before Sony subsidizes the PS6, the hardware’s BOM would rise from $760 to close to $1000.

Other analysts also anticipate that the PS6 price will follow the lead of the $1049+ Steam Machine. That has led some gamers to call for a postponement to its rumored late 2027 release date. Yet, on the NeoGaf forums, Kepler_L2 argues that any delay could actually prove worse for buyers.

With the possibility of memory and storage becoming pricier, Sony may be wise to stock up on components now. Even if launch sales disappoint compared to the PS5, the manufacturer could later lower its MSRP, as seen with the PS3.

Impact of a PS6 delay

The leaker also explains that a delay to the PS6 release date wouldn’t result in upgraded specs. If the development of the PlayStation console is at an advanced stage, it’s too late to make drastic changes. Sony would have already invested in the Orion SoC, with work on the AMD chip progressing rapidly.

Many buyers fear being shut out of the next generation of gaming systems. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has pledged to use innovation to make the Project Helix hybrid more accessible. With the Series X suffering another price increase, there are doubts about its affordability.

Sony could still opt to extend the PS5 generation until memory prices finally ease. However, that will eventually throttle AAA game development, as some titles are pushing the limits of existing hardware.