PlayStation 6 handheld price likely to exceed $600 due to memory costs

Leaks from hardware industry insider Kepler_L2 suggest that Sony will be unable to launch a PlayStation 6 handheld console for under $600. The primary driver for this projected price hike is a global surge in the cost of LPDDR memory, specifically LPDDR5X. This spike is attributed to unprecedented demand from enterprise AI data centers, which are consuming large quantities of high-speed memory components.

Rumors indicate the handheld may utilize an AMD-based APU codenamed ‘Canis’ featuring Zen 6 LP cores. The rising cost of components also impacts the standard PlayStation 6 home console, with some estimates suggesting its bill of materials could reach approximately $960, potentially pushing the retail price above $1,000.

This component shortage and price volatility are affecting the broader gaming market, mirroring recent price adjustments seen in NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards, as well as handheld PC devices like the Steam Deck.