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AI memory crunch may delay PlayStation 6 to 2029

Kagi News | 2026-02-16 11:47 UTC | source

🧠 A global memory-chip shortage tied to the AI boom could push Sony’s next PlayStation launch to 2028 or 2029, according to Bloomberg-cited sources and coverage summarized across outlets 13467. The same squeeze could also shape Nintendo’s Switch 2 pricing plans during 2026, the reporting says 13467.

Sources

  1. Sony’s PlayStation 6 might be further away than you hoped [digitaltrends.com] (2026-02-16)
  2. PS6 could reportedly be delayed while Switch 2 might get even more expensive as Sony and Nintendo reckon with brutal AI-led memory chip shortage [reddit.com] (2026-02-16)
  3. Memory shortages could delay PlayStation 6 launch until 2029, raise Switch 2 price [techspot.com] (2026-02-16)
  4. Global memory chip shortage reportedly forces Sony PlayStation and other tech launches to delay [digitimes.com] (2026-02-17)
  5. Switch 2 price, PS6 release could be impacted by memory shortage - Mashable [google.com] (2026-02-16)
  6. Sony May Push Next PlayStation To 2028 or 2029 as AI-fueled Memory Chip Shortage Upends Plans [slashdot.org] (2026-02-16)
  7. Switch 2 price, PS6 release could be impacted by memory shortage [mashable.com] (2026-02-16)

Highlights

  1. Engagement risk: Bloomberg-linked reporting says a multi-year slip could make it harder for Sony to keep players engaged between console generations 6.
  2. Cost uncertainty: Reports point to sharp swings in DRAM spot prices, which can quickly upend hardware bill-of-materials assumptions 6.
  3. Rumor vs. announcement: TechSpot says Bloomberg is echoing recent analyst and insider chatter, not citing a formal launch announcement from Sony 3.
  4. Switch 2 context: Bloomberg’s report on late-2026 Switch 2 price-hike discussions follows 2025 rumors of a tariff-driven increase that ultimately didn’t happen 7.

Perspectives

Memory manufacturers: The shortage is tied to an industry shift toward high-bandwidth memory for AI accelerators, which can leave less capacity for the conventional DRAM used in consumer devices.

Sony and Nintendo: Neither company responded to Bloomberg’s request for comment, so the timing and pricing decisions remain unconfirmed.