Sony Reportedly Weighing PS6 Delay to 2028 or 2029 as AI Chip Crisis Disrupts Console Plans

The ongoing AI-driven semiconductor shortage is reportedly throwing a wrench into Sony and Nintendo's console strategies, potentially delaying the PlayStation 6's arrival and driving up the price of the Switch 2. With tech giants like Nvidia and Google gobbling up memory components for their AI chips, RAM prices are climbing, which could affect both the retail cost and availability of upcoming gaming systems.

According to a comprehensive Bloomberg report on the memory chip shortage, sources reveal two key developments. First, Sony is allegedly considering postponing the PS6's launch to 2028 or even 2029—a move that would significantly disrupt the company's roadmap. Second, Nintendo is reportedly mulling a price hike for the Switch 2 this year. Neither company has officially commented on these claims.

Would Nintendo really increase the Switch 2's price so soon after its release? President Shuntaro Furukawa recently addressed concerns about component costs impacting profitability, stating vaguely that he doesn't foresee immediate effects. "We are working to secure stable memory supplies through long-term discussions with partners," Furukawa explained. "Recent memory price hikes haven't significantly hurt hardware profitability in Q3, and we expect the same in Q4. However, if these increases persist into the next fiscal year and beyond, profitability could face pressure. In a significant downturn, we'd carefully assess market trends and respond."

Regarding potential Switch 2 price changes, Furukawa noted, "No decision has been made yet. Any adjustment would consider factors like profitability, installed base, sales trends, and market conditions." When asked if Nintendo might sell the Switch 2 at a loss to boost its user base, he emphasized focusing on global profitability and avoiding unit losses where possible. "Hardware profitability typically improves with economies of scale, and we aim to cut costs through mass production," he said. "The second and third years are crucial for the Switch 2; expanding the install base can drive software sales. We'll consider this flexibly in our decisions."

Earlier this month, Sony downplayed worries about further PlayStation 5 price increases due to memory costs, asserting it has secured enough components for the upcoming fiscal year's holiday season. CFO Lin Tao stated, "We plan to negotiate with suppliers to meet customer demand. Given our console cycle stage, we can adjust our hardware sales strategy flexibly and minimize memory cost impacts by prioritizing monetization of our existing user base and growing software and network revenue."

In January, an analyst report hinted that Sony might delay the PS6 past 2028 and extend the PS5's lifecycle. David Gibson, a senior analyst at MST International specializing in gaming and tech, predicted that rising memory prices wouldn't affect short-term performance thanks to Sony's inventory. However, he warned that higher costs could become an issue in the next fiscal year (ending March 2027), suggesting "Sony might pass future cost increases onto consumers."