Sony and Microsoft next-gen consoles could cost US$ 1,000

Projections from Ampere Analysis suggest that the next generation of gaming consoles, including Sony’s PlayStation 6 and Microsoft’s upcoming hardware (tentatively named Project Helix), could debut with prices near US$ 1,000.

This potential price increase is attributed to rising production costs, particularly driven by a shortage of RAM and other electronic components. The analysis warns that such high price points could lead to a significant decline in initial sales, potentially reducing volume by 38% compared to previous generations and resulting in a market loss of approximately US$ 3.4 billion for Sony and Microsoft.

To mitigate these risks, analysts suggest Sony could consider hardware subsidies, new monetization models, or following Nintendo’s strategy by placing less emphasis on graphical improvements. While some estimates suggest a 2027 or 2028 launch, Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki has stated that no official launch date has been established, noting that the company is closely monitoring component market conditions.