The recent news of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has sparked numerous discussions and speculations. The most interesting is the possible release window for Sony’s next-generation gaming console, the PlayStation 6.
Despite the lack of any official statement from Sony about the PlayStation 6, the company has likely started developing its next gaming console. The video game industry is incredibly competitive, and companies always seek an edge over their rivals.
According to documents related to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard that was presented to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority in 2022, Sony has special access to Call of Duty until its next console release. This has led many analysts to believe the PlayStation 6 could launch in 2027. However, a more detailed analysis of the documents suggests otherwise.
The release dates for Sony’s previous PlayStation consoles have been quite consistent. It took six years between the launch of the PS1 and the PS2, six years between the PS2 and the PS3, seven years between the PS3 and the PS4, and another seven years between the PS4 and the current PS5. If this pattern continues, the PS6 should be launched in 2028, a year later than the previous assumption.
Moreover, the language in the documents suggests that Sony will launch its next console after the Call of Duty deal expires in 2027, supporting the likelihood of a 2028 launch. However, the PS6 launch could be delayed due to various factors, such as the PS5’s continued popularity, modern hardware costs, and other unforeseen circumstances.
While the documents hint at a potential release window for the PlayStation 6, it’s clear that the console still needs to catch up. The PlayStation 5 continues to dominate the market and has succeeded since its launch in 2020.
The ongoing conversation about Sony’s access to Call of Duty and Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision only adds to the excitement and speculation surrounding the future of gaming. Many eagerly await the release of new consoles and games, and the competition between Sony and Microsoft will only heat up in the coming years.
