The buzz about the PlayStation 5 is still fresh, but that doesn’t stop us from daydreaming about what the future holds for the PlayStation 6. Even though the PS6’s release might be a while away, there’s already a lot of talk. Some of it coming from official sources – about when Sony’s next-gen console might make its grand entrance.
Get ready for some serious upgrades in specs, all while the competition from the next-gen Xbox release adds an extra layer of excitement. Let’s dive into what we know so far about the potential PS6.
An official Microsoft court document related to the Activision Blizzard acquisition provides the best hint about when a PS6 might be released, or at least when it was possibly planned for. This clue points to 2027. The document mentions, “By the time SIE launched the next generation of its PlayStation console (which is likely to occur around [redacted]), it would have lost access to Call of Duty.”
Although the specific date is hidden, people have connected this information with the deal Microsoft made with Sony to continue offering Activision Blizzard games on PlayStation consoles until 2027. This suggests that Microsoft didn’t expect a new PlayStation to arrive before 2027, at the earliest.
A Redditor has shared their prediction that the PS6 will be released between November 10th and 19th of 2027. While their confidence is impressive, some gamers doubt the likelihood of this specific launch date.
Guessing the price of a PS6 is really tough without solid info on its specs. Without that, we can’t even begin to guess its cost. But looking at past prices and rumored specs, it’s unlikely to be cheap, possibly starting at $500 or even reaching the infamous $600 mark.
The PS6’s price will be influenced by several factors, possibly making it the most expensive PlayStation ever. Currently, that title belongs to the PS3, launched in 2006 for $599.99. Since then, Sony has aimed to avoid hitting that high price point. The PS4 came out at $399 in 2013, and the PS5 in 2020 at $499. However, the usual price drop with Sony’s redesigned console, the PS5 Slim, hasn’t happened because manufacturing costs remain high.
Considering game prices rose to $70 in the PS5 era and accessories like the PSVR 2 cost $549, it’s hard to imagine the PS6 launching for less than $499, or even matching the PS3’s $599.
Specific details about the PS6’s specifications are a bit hard to come by. Moore’s Law is Dead has confidently stated that Sony will stick with AMD to power both the PS6 and a rumored PS5 Pro. This choice would make sense for maintaining backward compatibility and ensuring smooth transitions between generations, as the PS5 already uses AMD technology. The next generation of AMD chips is expected for a 2025 release, which could potentially power the PS6.
While there’s speculation about a new SSD being included to further reduce loading times, no concrete information has surfaced on this front yet. Considering the trend towards digital-only content, it’s reasonable to expect the PS6 to come with at least 1TB of storage, though this hasn’t been confirmed.
As gaming technology races forward, the PlayStation 6 is gearing up to harness the power of an advanced AMD chipset. It also aims to push the boundaries of gaming experiences to new heights.
Sony has been working on the Playstation 6 system for about a year, but specific details like the CPU and RAM haven’t been finalized yet. Currently, Sony is in discussions with development studios to fine-tune the system, which is likely to be powered by AMD technology. This is a departure from the past, as Sony had explored options with multiple vendors, including NVIDIA, for the PlayStation 5, before settling on AMD.
The PS5 impressed gamers with its 1 TB M.2 module, offering ample space for game installations. However, the PS6 is setting its sights higher. It aspires to provide an even more expansive storage solution.
In the realm of gaming, memory is a key player in delivering smooth and responsive experiences. The PS6 is rumored to take a significant leap by potentially increasing its RAM capacity from 16 GB to an impressive 32 GB. This enhancement aims to cater to the growing demands of increasingly complex and immersive game worlds.
Experts anticipate that the PlayStation 6 will elevate gaming to new heights by enhancing processing power, possibly by integrating a specially designed processor. Rumors hint at a cutting-edge graphics card supporting 8K resolution for an unmatched level of realism.
Building on the success of the PS5, the PS6 is likely to feature SSD storage, aiming to eliminate load times and ensure smoother gameplay. There are also whispers about backward compatibility, allowing players to enjoy titles from both the PS4 and PS5 on a unified platform.
Sony is delving into innovative controller features, as hinted by patents. There could be a controller doubling as an earbud charging case or one with temperature-changing and deformable capabilities.
There’s speculation about VR integration, possibly with a dedicated PSVR 3, promising an even more immersive gaming experience. This becomes particularly interesting in light of Disney’s recent breakthrough with a limitless VR floor prototype.
The PS5 needs an update and its flaws must go away with the PlayStation 6. Navigation in the PlayStation Store is a hassle as well as trying to find friends and arranging a party. With the PS6, we hope for an upgraded PlayStation Store with simpler navigation and a more accessible UI.
We’re also keeping a close watch on the second generation of the DualSense controller. If Sony sticks with the same naming pattern, we might get a DualSense controller with improved battery life and some of the cool modular features found in the DualSense Edge concept.
Sony might make the digital + disc drive add-on the default option for the PS6. Some fans are suggesting that giving the PS6 a modular build would be an excellent move on Sony’s part. That would make it easy to swap out components when they break instead of replacing the whole thing.
In terms of appearance, we can expect updates to the user interface (UI) and console design for the PlayStation 6. We expect a new and improved UI that can withstand the test of time. Additionally, te PS6 is all set to bring you 4K 60 FPS gameplay, with support for 120 FPS at 1440p. While the idea of 4K 120 FPS sounds amazing, the reality is that some games might be too demanding for Sony’s hardware to consistently achieve this level of performance.
Regarding aesthetics, Sony has already explored slimming down the PS5 with its Slim version and there are rumors of a beefed-up version known as the PlayStation 5 Pro. Consumer trends indicate a preference for lighter and more compact hardware. With advancements in technology, extensive storage or power no longer require a bulky case, so Sony may follow this trend if feasible.
There’s also speculation that Sony may continue the digital-only approach initiated with the PS5 Slim Digital. This version of the console lacks disc compatibility, meaning games are exclusively stored digitally without the need for physical copies.
Generative AI could revolutionize gaming, making single-player games more interactive and immersive. Sony also explores ray tracing reconstruction technology, as hinted in a recent presentation. This tech, initially discussed for movies, is being tailored for gaming.
Tom’s Guide has suggested the possibility of new game series hubs, a request that’s increasingly common among fans. Many gamers struggle to play a series in chronological order and desire a simpler way to purchase or access a full series of games from the same franchise. Alternatively, they suggest having a cohesive list that displays similar games, especially in the current era dominated by game remakes.
Criticism has arisen regarding the PlayStation 5’s game library, which heavily relies on cross-platform titles and various remasters and remakes. PS5 users long for new entries in beloved franchises that truly harness the console’s power. Unlike previous generations like the PS4 and PS3, which delivered numerous exclusive gems from Sony’s first-party studios.
Sony’s recent announcement ruling out any ‘existing major franchise titles’ for the PS5 before March 2025 hints at a strong lineup of software for the PS6’s launch. It’s reasonable to expect the PS6 to offer backward compatibility with the best PS5 games (and hopefully PS4). And with developers likely providing “enhanced” versions of older titles to leverage the new console’s increased power and features.
PlayStation 5 was released in 2020 with two variants. The standard PS5, which comes with a disc drive, and a cheaper, digital-only option. Both boast 825GB of internal storage. Slimmer models of both PS5 variants were recently announced and are launching with a full 1TB hard drive. Even with the extra storage, PlayStation 5 slim models are smaller in width, length, and depth. They also weigh less than the launch models.
Your beloved PS5 games might just carry over to the PS6. Plus, get ready for a serious boost in specs. The wait might be long, but it’s going to be worth it when the PS6 finally hits the scene. Get ready for an incredible journey into the future of gaming.
This article was updated with the latest information on April 22, 2024.
