PS6 Pricing Forecasts Spark Concerns Over Console Accessibility
NEW YORK – Sony’s next-generation PlayStation, widely anticipated as the PS6, is projected to carry a significantly higher price tag than previous iterations, potentially limiting access to a shrinking core demographic, according to emerging market data. The shift comes as purchasing habits evolve, with higher-income households increasingly dominating console hardware acquisitions while younger players migrate to mobile gaming platforms.
Recent analysis from Circana‘s Checkout service reveals a notable change in consumer spending. Households earning over $100,000 now account for 43% of all video game hardware purchases in the US, a significant increase from 36% just a few years ago. Concurrently, the 18-24 year-old demographic-traditionally a key driver of console sales-has experienced a dramatic decline in purchases, falling from 10% of hardware buys during the 12 months ending July 2022, to just 3% in the 12 months ending July 2025. this dual trend raises questions about the long-term viability of the customary console model.
Industry analyst Mat piscatella warns that the dwindling engagement of young players poses an existential threat. “If the young do not start playing PlayStation now, it will be arduous to convince them in the future,” he stated. The exodus of this age group is largely attributed to the growing popularity of mobile games like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite, offering accessible and frequently enough free-to-play alternatives.
The projected price increase for the PS6, coupled with the shrinking youth market, suggests a potential future where console gaming becomes increasingly exclusive. Experts fear this could create a bifurcated market, with high-end consoles catering to affluent consumers while a broader audience is served by mobile and cloud-based gaming solutions. The implications for Sony,and the console industry as a whole,remain to be seen.
