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This Revelation Should Terrify All Console Fans, Particularly Those Looking Forward to PS6
A Windows Central report has revealed that Microsoft is currently losing around $150 on every Xbox Series X|S console sold, a shortfall that will persist even after prices rise again in August. From 2 August, a 1TB Xbox Series X will cost $800, a steep price for hardware nearing its sixth anniversary, driven largely by a memory component shortage that industry commentators link to surging demand from AI manufacturers. Sony, Nintendo and Valve have all been forced into similar hardware price increases, and the situation is stoking concern about the cost and viability of next-generation consoles, particularly the PS6.
Push Square's editor argues that while Sony's purchasing power may cushion it somewhat, the memory crisis could scupper plans for a cheaper, more efficient next-gen console and handheld, making a $1,000-plus PS6 hard to justify. Component costs may not ease until 2030, raising the possibility of a delay, though a full restart of PS6 development is considered unlikely. The article warns this could trigger the worst console pricing crisis yet, with the writer expressing doubt that Sony's current leadership has the consumer-facing strength needed to build enthusiasm for an expensive, unwanted device during the generational transition.
In short
- Microsoft loses ~$150 per Xbox Series X|S sold despite price rises
- AI-driven memory chip shortage is pushing up console prices industry-wide
- Crisis could delay or inflate the cost of Sony's future PS6
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rising memory costs and Microsoft’s reported losses suggest that console makers may struggle to offer powerful new hardware at familiar prices. Sony could face difficult trade-offs between affordability, performance and timing, and delaying a launch or charging more might protect the business if component costs remain high.
The case against
The reported Xbox loss does not establish what Sony will pay or how it will price a future console, and large manufacturers may be able to negotiate better component costs. Prices and supply conditions could change before the next generation arrives, while a costly launch could still appeal to players seeking stronger hardware; the article’s concerns about Sony’s leadership and consumer demand are predictions rather than settled outcomes.
Explained simply
The gaming industry is grappling with a component shortage that has sent console prices up sharply. A shortage of memory chips, partly driven by increased demand from artificial intelligence manufacturers, has made the components used in games consoles far more expensive to source. Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo and Valve have all been forced to increase prices, with some consoles now costing considerably more than they did previously.
This shortage is raising questions about the cost of next-generation consoles. Memory components are expected to remain expensive for several years, which could force manufacturers to either delay new consoles or launch them with higher price tags than consumers might expect. There is particular concern about how this could affect PlayStation 6, the next major console from Sony.
The situation creates a challenge for the industry's transition to new hardware. Manufacturers face a choice between launching expensive new consoles that may struggle to attract consumers or waiting longer to see whether component costs fall. How companies navigate this problem could significantly affect gaming's next generation.
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