PlayStation 6 Launch Likely to be Delayed Beyond 2028

MST Financial senior analyst David Gibson posted a report detailing his insights on Sony Group’s performance and predicted that Sony’s next-generation console, PlayStation 6 (PS6), is likely to arrive beyond 2028. This marks a significant deviation from earlier industry timelines hinted at by Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson, which forecast a 2027-2028 launch window.

The revised outlook reflects Sony’s continued emphasis on extracting long-term value from the PlayStation 5 rather than accelerating a generational transition. Gibson cited that Sony’s earnings for the third quarter (Q3) of its Fiscal Year, which are expected to exceed prior predictions, can likely lead to this decision.

According to Gibson’s report, in Q3, Sony’s sales are projected to be ¥1.8 trillion yen (~$11.7 billion USD), with operating profit at ¥160B ($1.04B). He also noted that he believes Sony's Game & Network Services section remained strong due to the substantial sales of first-party and third-party game software in the games division.

Sony’s Broader Strategy Behind the PlayStation 6 Delay

According to Gibson’s report, Sony intends to extend the life-time of the PS5 more than its previous consoles. Recent company moves, such as reducing the price for a Japan-only version in November 2025 and heavy discounts on PS5 during Black Friday across the world, also backs his theory that Sony is trying to extend PS5 sales momentum.

Gibson further noted that Sony appears to be much more focused on monetizing the current user base, rather than just accelerating sales momentum or rushing out a new console generation. He highlighted that during Q3, PS5 has consistently recorded all-time record-highs.

The potential delay carries broader significance for the console industry, where console companies across the sector are stretching generational cycles or increasing prices to match the RAM price surge. If Gibson is to be believed, the PS6 is likely to come around 2029. Sony has yet to give a public disclosure about a potential launch window for PS6.

The last and most recent public comment was from PlayStation 5 lead architect Mark Cerny, during his discussion about the latest developments in Project Amethyst, with Jack Huyn, the SVP and GM of AMD’s computing and graphics segment. Cerny stated that “it’s still very early days for these technologies,” while briefly hinting towards the PS6 launch.

Disclaimer:  The original report in Japanese has been machine translated.