Sony undecided on PS6 release date as PS5 sales hit 93.7 million

Sony hasn't decided when to release the PlayStation 6 or what price to charge for it, the company's president and CEO Hiroki Totoki confirmed during a financial results call. According to Video Games Chronicle, Totoki cited concerns over rising component costs, particularly memory, as a key factor in the uncertainty.

The PlayStation 5 has sold 93.7 million units globally as of March 31, 2026, with 1.5 million units sold in the latest quarter. However, this performance trails the PS4's equivalent quarterly sales of 2.6 million units at the same point in its lifecycle.

Why Sony is delaying PS6 decisions

According to Sony's financial results, memory prices are expected to remain very high in fiscal year 2027 due to ongoing supply shortages. "Looking at the current circumstances, the memory price is also expected to be very high FY 2027, because there will still be a shortage of supply," Totoki explained through Sony's translator.

The global component shortage has particularly impacted RAM costs, which directly affects console manufacturing expenses. Sony has secured necessary materials for 2026 at agreed prices, but beyond that remains uncertain.

"We have not yet decided on at what timing we will launch the new console, or at what prices," Totoki stated. The company expects to invest more in next-generation platform development, which will keep income flat year-on-year.

PS5 performance falls behind PS4

The PS5 sales figures show the console is now slightly behind its predecessor despite launching at a higher price point. The PS4 sold 2.6 million units in its equivalent quarter compared to the PS5's 1.5 million.

This slowdown comes after Sony implemented a $100 price increase for the PS5, making it one of the most expensive consoles at launch. Launch shortages also impacted early adoption rates compared to the PS4's more stable rollout.

However, PlayStation's active user base continues growing, suggesting demand remains strong despite slower hardware sales. "It's not that the demand has gone down," Totoki noted, giving Sony time to plan its next-generation strategy.

New business models under consideration

Sony is exploring alternative approaches to traditional console sales for the PS6. "We would like to think about various simulations, including changing business models to come up with the best solution and strategy," Totoki said.

These potential changes could include subscription-based models, cloud gaming integration, or alternative hardware pricing structures. The company aims to reduce hardware costs through both component optimisation and new revenue models.

Industry analyst David Gibson from MST Financial previously suggested the PS6's release would be delayed longer than expected, with Sony extending the PS5's lifecycle. This aligns with Totoki's comments about having time to develop the optimal strategy.

Bungie impairment and GTA 6 impact

Sony reported a $765 million impairment loss related to Bungie assets following the release of Marathon, the studio's extraction shooter. The company hasn't disclosed how the game has performed since its earlier 2026 launch.

Dr Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, believes GTA 6's anticipated 2026 release will significantly boost PS5 sales despite the higher price. "If GTA 6 does not get delayed into 2027, it will be all that Sony needs this year," he told VGC.

The potential GTA 6 boost could help Sony maintain PS5 momentum while developing its next-generation strategy, providing additional breathing room for PS6 planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Sony announced the PS6 release date?

No, Sony's President and CEO Hiroki Totoki confirmed that the company has not yet decided on the PlayStation 6's release date, citing concerns over rising component costs and supply shortages.

What are the current lifetime sales of PS5?

The PlayStation 5 has sold 93.7 million units globally as of March 31, 2026, according to Sony's latest financial results.

Why is Sony considering changing business models for PS6?

Sony is exploring new business models due to expected high memory prices in fiscal year 2027 and the need to find alternative ways to manage hardware costs beyond traditional console sales.

How does PS5 sales performance compare to PS4?

The PS5 is now slightly behind the PS4's sales pace at an equivalent point, selling 1.5 million units in the latest quarter compared to PS4's 2.6 million in its equivalent period.

What was Sony's Bungie-related loss?

Sony reported a $765 million impairment loss related to Bungie assets following the release of its extraction shooter Marathon, though specific performance details weren't disclosed.

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