The PS6 is officially in development. Find out here when the PlayStation 6 will be released, what hardware it will have, and how Sony envisions its future.
The next console generation is already on the horizon: Sony has officially confirmed that development of the PlayStation 6 is in full swing. While the PS5 is still in its prime, the industry’s eyes are already on its successor. Early technical details, a rough timeline, and concrete hints about Sony’s strategy already paint a picture of where things are headed.
In this article, we summarize all confirmed information and credible leaks about the PlayStation 6 – from release window and hardware to possible game highlights.
Everything Important About the PlayStation 6 at a Glance
- The PS6 is officially confirmed and in advanced development.
- Release is expected for late 2027.
- Technically, the console will feature new AMD architecture, AI functions, 8K options, and an ultra-fast SSD for a significant leap forward.
- Sony plans various model variants.
- The PS6 could be the last physical console before the focus shifts more toward cloud and digital platforms.
- Virtual Reality is likely to be supported again, but a PlayStation VR 3 is unlikely.
When Will the PlayStation 6 be Released?
- Currently, a late 2027 release is expected.
A release of the PlayStation 6 is expected no earlier than late 2027. This forecast is based on several industry reports, statements from Sony executives, and Microsoft strategy documents made public during the Activision acquisition.
Previous console cycles also support this: The PS4 launched in 2013, the PS5 in 2020 – a similar gap suggests 2027 for the PS6. The final SoC (System-on-a-Chip) design is expected to be completed in 2025. The so-called tapeout, or first test production of the chip, is also planned for 2025, making a late 2027 market launch realistic.
How Much Will the PlayStation 6 Cost?
- A price between $700 and $900 is currently considered realistic for the PS6.
Due to rising production costs, industry observers expect a starting price between $700 and $900 – depending on model and configuration. There is no concrete pricing information yet. Sony is expected to offer multiple variants to target different audiences. A key lesson from the PS5 launch: Sony plans to ramp up PS6 production early to avoid supply shortages and scalper issues.
A new leak has caused a stir: The PlayStation 6 could be cheaper than expected. YouTube channel Moore’s Law Is Dead reports that the upcoming Sony console could launch at a price between $500 and $700, with $600 being the most likely. That would make it cheaper than the PS5 Pro, recently released at $800. A stripped-down version of the PS6 could even cost as little as $299.
What’s Inside the PS6 Technically?
- AMD will be the main supplier, with a significant performance boost over the current generation planned.
According to current leaks, the PlayStation 6 will be based on new AMD architecture. The GPU will reportedly be based on “UDNA,” an evolution of the well-known RDNA technology. AMD thus remains the main supplier for processors. Intel apparently had no chance to secure the deal.
The PS6 is expected to be significantly more powerful than the PS5 Pro. It will feature improved ray tracing, AI acceleration, and modern upscaling technologies such as FSR or deep learning. While 4K at 120 Hz would be desirable, it will be challenging with current tech. An optional 8K output is also being discussed.
It will also feature an upgraded SSD with even shorter load times and a new audio engine, possibly a successor to the Tempest technology. Sony is also working on AI-powered system functions that could be used for NPC behavior or graphics rendering. Backward compatibility with PS4 and PS5 is also very likely.
Will the PlayStation 6 Support Virtual Reality with a Possible PSVR 3?
- PSVR 3 unlikely, backward compatibility with PSVR 2 likely.
Virtual Reality has always been a mixed bag for Sony. With the PlayStation VR 2, they released a VR headset in 2023 – the only console manufacturer to do so – but they never truly supported the platform. Only one VR title designed from the ground up for a Sony IP was released: Horizon Call of the Mountain. Resident Evil Village, the Resident Evil 4 remake, and Gran Turismo 7 did get VR versions, but not much else followed.
That said, with several VR blockbuster releases last year – Skydance’s Behemoth, Metro Awakening, Alien: Rogue Incursion – a permanent price drop to $400, and the release of a PC adapter, the PSVR 2 seems to be enjoying a revival. Sony hasn’t abandoned VR. Earlier this year, Sony launched the XR product line “XYN” and released a new mixed reality headset. However, this is aimed at developers and spatial content creation, not the PSVR 2 division.
Whether a PlayStation VR 3 will be released seems unlikely at this point. Sales figures for the accessory likely haven’t fully convinced Sony. Estimates suggest around 3 million units are in circulation. I therefore expect Sony to ensure backward compatibility with PSVR 2 at the PS6 launch. VR games should also benefit from the new console’s performance boost, similar to what we saw with the PS5 Pro.
Will the PS6 Be Backward Compatible?
- Yes, the PS6 will very likely be backward compatible.
The PlayStation 6 will very likely be backward compatible with PS5 and PS4 games. Sony wants to maintain the existing ecosystem and make the transition to the new generation as smooth as possible. This means that digital libraries and purchased games will still be usable on the new console – an important factor for many players who have built up large collections over the years.
What Will the PS6 Look Like? All Info on Design and Disc Drive
- Multiple models with and without disc drives are considered likely.
No details on its appearance have been released. Rumors suggest that Sony plans multiple model variants – with and without a disc drive – in different storage capacities. This would allow the company to cater to different price segments once again.
Some analysts believe the PS6 could be Sony’s last traditional console. After that, the focus might shift more toward streaming and cloud gaming. While Sony emphasizes that cloud gaming will continue to expand, they still see traditional hardware as the main platform.
Which Games Will Launch with the PS6?
- Strong exclusives featuring Sony IPs and AAA titles like Call of Duty are expected at launch.
According to multiple reports, AAA studios have been working on launch titles for the PS6 since at least 2024/2025. Call of Duty is expected to be available at launch, according to the aforementioned Microsoft documents. Sony will also once again rely on exclusive games and strong partnerships to keep the platform attractive. In addition to traditional exclusives, new features like AI-driven NPCs or expanded cloud functions could also be introduced, potentially changing gameplay on the PS6.
Is There a Handheld Device for the PS6?
- Leaks suggest a Sony handheld is in the works
Another rumor involves a possible handheld device that could launch alongside the PS6. Details are still vague, but according to PS5 Pro leaker “Kepler,” the handheld is expected to have 16 GB of RAM, similar to the PS5. However, performance would be “significantly higher” due to its RDNA 5 architecture and more compute units. Other rumored specs include 4 MB L2 cache and 16 MB MALL (Memory Accelerator), which the PS5 and PS5 Pro lack. LPDDR6 memory is reportedly “still too far off.”
Are you excited for the PlayStation 6, or does the next console generation leave you cold? Let us know in the comments!
Sources: Gamerant, Famitsu, Sony, Reuters
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