Sony is weighing a potential delay of the PlayStation 6 until 2028 or 2029, according to a report by Bloomberg, as a global shortage of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) threatens to disrupt console production plans. The delay under consideration comes as Nintendo also faces potential cost increases for its forthcoming Switch 2 console due to the same supply constraints.
The HBM shortage, driven by surging demand from artificial intelligence companies, is impacting the availability and price of a critical component used in both graphics cards and gaming consoles. Both Sony and Nintendo are reportedly reassessing their strategies in light of the escalating costs and limited supply. The Bloomberg report indicates Sony had initially aimed to release the PS6 in late 2027.
The situation echoes a historical rivalry between the two companies, originating in the late 1980s when Sony initially collaborated with Nintendo on a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. This project, dubbed the “Nintendo PlayStation,” was ultimately abandoned when Nintendo partnered with Philips instead, fearing Sony would gain too much control over licensing and profits. This decision spurred Sony to independently develop the original PlayStation, launched in 1994, fundamentally reshaping the video game industry.
The original collaboration envisioned a hybrid console compatible with both Super NES cartridges and Sony’s new CD-based Super Disc format, with approximately 200 prototypes built, though only two are known to still exist. Sony engineer Ken Kutaragi spearheaded the project, viewing it as an opportunity for Sony to enter the gaming hardware market. Nintendo’s abrupt shift to Philips left Sony publicly humiliated, but ultimately motivated the company to pursue its own console development.
The current memory chip shortage presents a different challenge, impacting both companies simultaneously. While the specifics of Nintendo’s response remain unclear, the potential for a price increase on the Switch 2 has been reported. The timing coincides with anticipation surrounding the Switch 2, which is expected to address shortcomings in the original Switch’s hardware capabilities.
Neither Sony nor Nintendo have publicly commented on the Bloomberg report or confirmed any changes to their release schedules or pricing strategies. Sony’s financial earnings call scheduled for May is expected to provide further insight into the company’s plans.
