RAM shortages and AI demand reportedly impacting next-gen console timeline
Summary
– Next PlayStation console reportedly delayed to 2028 or 2029
– AI-driven RAM demand increasing production costs
– Nintendo may raise Switch 2 price due to market pressure
A new industry report suggests that PlayStation’s next console may not arrive as soon as expected. According to recent claims, the successor to the PlayStation 5 could now launch in 2028 or even 2029, marking a longer gap between generations than many anticipated.
The delay is reportedly tied to rising component costs, particularly RAM. Demand from artificial intelligence companies and data centers has driven memory prices significantly higher. Manufacturers are prioritizing AI contracts, which offer higher margins and long-term agreements, leaving console makers to compete for a limited supply.
That supply imbalance affects both availability and pricing. Higher manufacturing costs force companies to make difficult decisions. Some may increase retail prices, while others may delay hardware launches in hopes that component pricing stabilizes over time.
For PlayStation, pushing back a new console might offer strategic advantages. The PlayStation 5 continues to sell steadily, and extending its lifecycle could allow Sony to avoid launching new hardware at peak production costs. A delay could also give developers more time to maximize the current generation fully.
Nintendo faces a different challenge. The Switch 2 has already entered the market, and while it arrived at the right time from a performance standpoint, shifting economic conditions may create pricing pressure. If manufacturing costs continue rising, Nintendo may be forced to adjust the console’s price to protect margins.
The broader console landscape remains unpredictable. With AI infrastructure reshaping supply chains and component priorities, hardware timelines may become less consistent than in previous generations. For now, PlayStation fans may need to prepare for a longer wait before the next era begins.
