AI demand for memory chips could push PlayStation 6 to 2029

Sony is reportedly considering delaying its next-generation PlayStation console until 2028 or even 2029, according to people familiar with the company's thinking, as reported by Bloomberg. The potential delay stems from a global memory chip shortage driven by AI companies gobbling up increasing shares of production for data centres.

AI companies hoarding memory chips

The fundamental cause of the squeeze is the buildout of AI data centres. Companies like Alphabet and OpenAI are buying millions of Nvidia AI accelerators that come with huge allotments of memory to run their chatbots and other applications. That's left consumer electronics producers fighting over a dwindling supply of chips from manufacturers like Samsung Electronics and Micron.

The move to delay the console would be a major upset to Sony's carefully orchestrated strategy to sustain user engagement between hardware generations. Apple's Tim Cook and Elon Musk have reportedly warned of a "global crisis in the making" due to the memory chip shortage.

Nintendo also feeling the pressure

Sony isn't alone in facing these challenges. Nintendo is also contemplating raising the price of its Switch 2 console in 2026, according to people familiar with its plans. The company contributed to surplus demand in 2025 after its new Switch 2 console drove storage card purchases.

The shortages are leaving the rest of the world bereft of the memory that people need to store mobile photos, steer cars, download movies and run computer programs, Bloomberg reports.

PC market already devastated

The premium and DIY PC segment was hit hard when US chipmaker Micron decided last year to end its popular Crucial brand of consumer memory sticks, after three decades in operation. Kelt Reeves, CEO and founder of custom PC maker Falcon Northwest, said Crucial's demise started a "stampede" to secure as much inventory as they could, driving memory prices to new highs in January.

Across 2025, Falcon Northwest's average selling price rose by $1,500 to roughly $8,000 for each custom-made computer. Microsoft's answer to Nvidia with the Maia 200 chip may help address AI computing costs, but the memory shortage continues to affect consumer electronics.

What this means for gamers

If Sony does push back its next console launch, it would represent a significant departure from the company's typical console cycle. The PlayStation 5 has sold 92.2 million units worldwide, demonstrating strong demand for gaming hardware despite ongoing supply challenges.

Neither Sony nor Nintendo has officially confirmed these reported considerations. The companies have not responded to requests for comment regarding the potential delays and price increases.

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