Report: Sony May Delay Next-Gen PlayStation Until 2028 or 2029

A global memory chip shortage driven by explosive AI infrastructure growth could impact the timeline of the next PlayStation console.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Sony is internally reassessing the launch window for its next-generation console due to soaring memory prices. The system may now arrive in 2028 or even 2029, rather than earlier industry expectations.

AI Data Centers Are Reshaping the Chip Market

The rapid expansion of AI data centers by companies such as:

  • Amazon
  • Alphabet Inc.
  • OpenAI

has dramatically increased demand for high-performance memory chips.

Some semiconductor manufacturers are reportedly prioritizing AI-related contracts over consumer electronics production. As a result, companies producing gaming hardware are now competing for a shrinking supply of memory components.

Tim Archer, CEO of Lam Research Corp., stated that projected demand through the end of the decade could surpass anything previously seen in the industry.

What This Means for PlayStation

Sources cited by Bloomberg claim that Sony is considering pushing back its next PlayStation generation to 2028 or 2029.

A delay of that scale would represent a significant shift in Sony’s generational cadence. Traditionally, PlayStation consoles launch roughly every 6–7 years, and timing is critical for maintaining player engagement and third-party developer support.

While Sony has not officially commented, the possibility suggests that rising hardware costs may force strategic recalibration.

Nintendo and Other Companies Also Affected

The memory crisis is not limited to Sony.

Reports indicate that Nintendo may review pricing for its Switch successor in 2026. Last year’s strong demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 reportedly increased pressure on memory supply chains.

Meanwhile, Valve has delayed pricing announcements for new hardware products, potentially due to similar component constraints.

Both Sony and Nintendo declined to comment on the report.

Analysis: The AI Boom vs. Gaming Hardware

The AI infrastructure boom is reshaping the semiconductor landscape.

Gaming consoles rely heavily on:

  • High-speed RAM
  • Custom system-on-chip designs
  • Long-term manufacturing stability

If memory costs remain elevated, companies may face tough decisions:

  • Delay new hardware
  • Launch at higher prices
  • Reduce hardware margins

A next-generation PlayStation slipping to 2028 or 2029 would extend the current console cycle well beyond historical norms.

For gamers, this could mean a longer lifespan for current hardware — but potentially higher prices when the next wave finally arrives.

The balance between AI-driven industrial demand and consumer electronics production may define the future of console launches for the rest of the decade.

Tags