January 11, 2026, 8:21 am | Read time: 8 minutes
First things first: There are no official announcements about the PlayStation 6 yet. This isn’t surprising, as the PS5 Pro has only been on the market since November 2024. However, there are already many rumors and speculations, some from reputable experts. It’s widely expected that the Japanese company will release another PlayStation console. After all, Sony secured the names up to PlayStation 10 back in 2019. But what is already known about the new hardware?
Overview
Key Facts About the PlayStation 6
- The PS6 is expected to launch in 2027.
- The design will likely be more similar to the PlayStation 5 than previous models.
- Sony’s new console is expected to rely even more on AI technology, benefiting all areas: raytracing, resolution, and performance.
- The PlayStation 6 could be priced higher than the PS5 Pro, which launched at 800 euros.
When Will the PlayStation 6 Be Released?
A possible release date for the PlayStation 6 can be inferred from several sources. One can look at the company’s previous release rhythm in its console division. The PlayStation 3 was released in November 2006, followed by the PlayStation 4 in 2013. In 2016, both the Slim and Pro variants were released. Sony then launched its PlayStation 5 in 2020. The PS5 Slim came out in 2023, followed by the PS5 Pro in 2024.
There are seven years between the two generations, suggesting that Sony might aim for a PlayStation 6 release in 2027. Court documents that surfaced during Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision support this. They indicate that at least the competitor expects a release in this timeframe or a bit later. So, the PlayStation 6 might not arrive until 2028.
Chip Leak Makes PS6 Release Date More Likely
New information from well-known AMD leaker KeplerL2 also suggests that a 2027 or 2028 release for the PS6 is plausible. The chip manufacturer has been working with Sony since the PS4 and will supply the necessary components for the upcoming console generation. There is a rumor that an initial design of the SoC (System on Chip) is already in place.
The chip is reportedly already in an important testing phase. Allegedly, the so-called A0 tapeout is scheduled for late 2025, where the first concrete chip for testing purposes will be created–a crucial step before mass production. Since there are usually two years between tapeout and the console’s market launch at Sony, a 2027 PS6 sales start is becoming increasingly likely.
This is said to remain true even though a RAM crisis is causing higher prices and could lead to a delay. Allegedly, Sony is already having such discussions, but a decision has yet to be made.
Will It Be 2029 After All?
In both scenarios, a November launch seems likely. This would not only stay true to Sony’s previous month of choice but also makes sense with the crucial holiday shopping season in mind.
However, there is also a rumor that it might not happen until 2029. This is based on alleged information from a PlayStation engineer working in the hardware department. According to his statements, Sony plans to present the PS6 to the public at the end of 2028, which would mean an official sales start in 2029.
The Design of the PS6
Currently, nothing is known about the appearance of a new console. Since the PlayStation 5 recently introduced a significantly revamped design, it seems more likely that Sony will initially stick to this path. Unlike the rather boxy, black consoles before, the PS5 came with a white design. The Pro and Slim models also feature horizontal stripes on the sides, making the console more flexible as they are removable.
PlayStation 6 to Feature Removable Disc Drive at Launch
PlayStation 6 Expected to Arrive Much Later
Technology in the PlayStation 6
Nothing is yet known about new features of the upcoming Sony console. However, since it is supposed to be a completely new console generation, the leap must be greater than between the PS5 and the PS5 Pro.
PS6 with 8K and 60 fps?
One of the most promising rumors so far comes from the well-known leaker “Moores Law is Dead.” He suggests that the PlayStation 6 could significantly improve in resolution and fps rate. According to the leaker, it might be possible for the PS6 to offer 120 fps at 4K resolution and 60 fps at 8K resolution. Whether this is technically feasible remains to be seen, as the required computing power would be significantly higher.
In another leak, additional specs for the console, reportedly codenamed “Orion,” are revealed: It could hit the shelves with eight CPU cores using AMD’s Zen-6 architecture. Sony is also expected to rely on AMD for graphics again. Discussions include 40 to 48 compute units based on the upcoming RDNA-5 architecture. Additionally, it is said to feature fast GDDR7 video memory with 32 gigatransfers per second (GT/s) on a 160-bit or 192-bit wide bus. A clock rate of up to 3 gigahertz is also possible. Despite significantly greater performance, power consumption is expected to decrease.
Furthermore, experts from “Digital Foundry” speculate that the PS6 will have 24 GB of RAM. This would be a significant jump compared to the PS5 and PS5 Pro, which have 16 and 18 GB of RAM, respectively. The upgrade is crucial for raytracing and machine learning. At the same time, 24 GB could represent a compromise, as 32 GB would be desirable but also more expensive to implement.
Raytracing
It is considered a given that the new console will feature raytracing. Experts also believe that the technology will be even more central. Raytracing primarily renders lighting conditions particularly authentically–an important aspect as games become increasingly photorealistic. The PS5 Pro already hints that this area is a particular focus.
The PS6 is also expected to be backward compatible with the PS5 and PS4. However, it is not yet known if this will apply to older generations.
We explain how raytracing works in the video:
PS6 Could Have a Disc Drive Again
Although the sale of physical media, especially physical game copies, is steadily and significantly declining, there are still plenty of fans who swear by disc versions of their favorite titles. According to insider information, they will have the option to purchase an extra disc drive for the PlayStation 6.
This would continue the modular system introduced with the PS5 Slim, allowing customers more flexibility when purchasing the console or replacing the drive. For the manufacturer, this approach allows savings in production and shipping. Overall, three variants of the PS6 could hit the market: digital, with a drive, or as an optional upgrade.
New Console Could Disappoint, Says Former Exec
In December, “Eurogamer” published an interview with former PlayStation chief Shawn Layden. He stepped down from the company in 2019 but commented on the future of the console brand on the occasion of PlayStation’s 30th anniversary. He also addressed the hopes many likely have for the PlayStation 6. According to Layden, the leaps between console generations are naturally becoming smaller.
From my perspective […] the leap from the PS1 to the PS2 was dramatic […]. The leap from the PS2 to the PS3 was also remarkable. We reached an HD standard […]. There was network capability, although it was still emerging. Then the transition from the PS3 to the PS4 was just about getting the network thing right. Then to the PS5, which is a fantastic piece of technology, but the actual performance difference […] we’re honestly reaching a point where only dogs can hear the difference.
Shawn Layden, “Eurogamer”
Recent developments support Layden’s view. At the launch of the PS5 Pro, the console’s price caused a stir, as many questioned whether the performance leap was significant enough to justify the 800 euros Sony was asking for its console.
According to Hideaki Nishino, Senior Vice President of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a noticeable leap is indeed planned. This is expected to be roughly equivalent to the one between the PS4 and PS5. This will certainly depend on developments in the AI sector in the coming years.
How Much Could the PlayStation 6 Cost?
It was long speculated that the PS6 could be priced at 700 U.S. dollars and 800 euros. However, since the PS5 Pro has already reached this threshold, it suggests an even higher price for the new console. Experts estimate costs between 700 and 800 U.S. dollars and 800 and 900 euros. In the short term, the ongoing memory crisis through 2026 could also prompt Sony to raise the price further.
However, documents from an AMD presentation in 2023 suggested that Sony might take a different path. They stated that a more powerful console would be released at a lower price. Since this information is already a few years old, it is quite possible that it is no longer current.