With the PlayStation 5 appearing to be the first Sony console to become more expensive later in its lifecycle than at launch, expectations for an affordable PlayStation 6 are low. While it’s technically possible for the console to retail for ‘only’ $699, Sony might not put in the effort to minimize costs, given the perceived lack of direct competition it faces today.
According to leaker KeplerL2, the estimated cost of all components for the PlayStation 6 is approximately $750. Theoretically, with substantial subsidies, Sony could still sell the PS6 for $699. “The question is whether Sony will bother now that Xbox is no longer direct competition,” writes KeplerL2.
Project Helix, reportedly the next Xbox console, is said to be targeting a different market segment, aiming to combine PC gaming with boosted performance. This suggests it will likely be very expensive, catering more to dedicated gaming enthusiasts than to casual players simply seeking a machine for entertainment. Consequently, this generation could mark the first time in a while where Sony enjoys considerable freedom in its strategy.
Just last week, Sony announced a price increase for the PlayStation 5 lineup. With RAM prices remaining elevated and the cost of other components also having risen, it’s plausible that global economic conditions may not have stabilized by the time the PS6 is ready for its official unveiling and market release.