Previously, it was believed that the new generation of consoles would appear in 2026, and the PS6 and the next Xbox would go on sale in late 2026 or early 2027, maintaining the classic seven-year cycle.
However, rising component prices, availability issues, and general instability in the electronics market have forced manufacturers to revise their plans. Creating a new generation console at a reasonable price has become more difficult.
Rumor has it that Sony and Microsoft are considering postponing the release date so as not to release an overly expensive console that would scare away customers. Schreier emphasizes that the PS5 will remain relevant for a long time:
The idea of an expensive console right now... who would buy it? Only the most ardent tech fans. I'm not sure how big the PlayStation 6 market will be next year.
If the forecasts are correct, the PS6 may not be released until 2028. At the same time, Microsoft may accelerate the release of the new Xbox to try to compete with the still strong PS5.