The PlayStation 6 could be priced as low as $1,000 when it's inevitably released, according to industry analysts. Sony recently announced a price increase for its PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal systems, a move that could shape the pricing plans for next-generation consoles. Although the PlayStation 6 is likely still a few years away from launch, after Sony reportedly delayed the launch internally, the latest price hike on current-gen hardware suggests that next-gen consoles will be even more expensive.
Currently, not much is known about Sony's next-gen console, although rumors such as a removable disk drive and a handheld component for the PS6 have surfaced. Microsoft, on the other hand, has already teased its next-gen Xbox with the announcement of Project Helix, which is also rumored to cost somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500 upon release. If these estimated prices are accurate, the next generation of consoles could be a tighter squeeze on gamers' wallets than ever before.
The PS6 may be coming out later than you think
A financial analyst explains why Sony may release the PlayStation 6 later than many previous predictions suggested, leaving fans disappointed.
Industry analysts predict that the PlayStation 6 could cost at least $1,000
In an interview with GamesRadar+, CEO of consultancy Kantan Games, Dr. Serkan Toto, explains that Sony's latest price hike for current generation hardware is the beginning of the company's support for future market fluctuations, as instability with US tariffs and rising component prices make next-generation hardware difficult to predict. Toto goes on to state that a $999 variant of the PS6 seems very possible, given the new price of the PS5 Pro.
Toto also notes that it's possible Sony will price the PS6 high at launch to allow for future deals and price cuts in the event the market evens out over the console's life.
GamesRadar+ also shared an interview with NYU video game professor Joost van Dreunen, who supports Toto's analysis. Deunen says the current direction of the gaming industry is one that sees a $1,000 console as the norm and believes “console gaming will become a luxury expense.” Console gamers are already facing PC gaming prices with the steady march towards a $1,000 console price, which would essentially eliminate the value advantage that console gaming had for more casual gamers, as both the next-gen Xbox and PlayStation are on track to cost the same as a basic gaming PC.
PlayStation's latest price hike makes a $1,000 PS6 prediction seem reasonable
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PS5: From $550 to $650
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PS5 Digital Edition: From $500 to $600
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PS5 Pro: From $750 to $900
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PlayStation Portal: From $200 to $250
Current-generation PlayStation hardware will jump anywhere from $50 to $150 in price as soon as April 2, 2026. While the PlayStation 5 Standard and Digital Editions will only see a $100 price increase, the PS5 Pro will see its price increase by $150, bringing it to a new MSRP of $900. It's not hard to imagine another $100 jump for the PS6 when it launches, given that the next-gen console is now expected to be released closer to 2028 or 2029.
The ongoing RAM crisis may be partially responsible for these overall price increases and console release delays, stemming from the need for AI data centers to use large amounts of RAM and causing many consumer RAM manufacturers to halt sales altogether. This practice has already affected PC gamers in the short term, but appears to be setting the stage for long-term effects in the console gaming market as well. If the PlayStation 6 is indeed going to set its price floor at $1,000, then buying a PS5 right now could pay off in the long run, as the console's lifespan could be extended dramatically, with cross-gen releases happening well into the PS6's life to accommodate a limited use of fans turned off by the high price tag.
