Early price estimates for the PlayStation 6 suggest the console could cost close to £1,000 in the UK, driven by soaring component costs. According to a source with a track record of accurate industry insights, the raw cost of materials for Sony to build the PS6 has risen to approximately $960, up $200 from a report two months ago that pegged the bill of materials (BOM) at around $760.
Rising BOM and Launch Timeline
User KeplerL2 on NeoGaf, known for demonstrating excellent industry inside knowledge, claims that despite the ongoing crisis in consumer electronics, Sony is still aiming for a 2027 launch date. When asked about the updated BOM, KeplerL2 stated: “BOM went up by ~$200 since I made that post.” In UK currency, the raw material cost of the PlayStation 6 now stands at roughly £725, not far off the retail price of the PS5 Pro.
Sony May End Loss-Leader Strategy
Historically, Sony and Microsoft have sold consoles at a loss, recouping profits through game sales and online services. However, with fewer gamers able to afford consoles due to rising prices, Sony may shift its strategy. Given that the PS6 will likely be more expensive than the PS5 Pro, which currently retails at £789.99, the next-generation console could exceed £1,000 in the UK.
Industry-Wide Price Hikes
Gaming hardware prices have been rising across the board. Sony has increased prices on its current PlayStation lineup earlier this year. Nintendo’s Switch 2 is set to rise by approximately $50 in September, and Xbox recently announced price hikes for the Series X and S consoles. Valve’s Steam Machine launched at £879 without a controller, with the manufacturer lamenting that it is 30% more expensive than initially targeted.
Why Are Costs Rising?
The surge in console prices is largely attributed to the increasing global demand for AI, which requires additional data centres. These data centres consume the same computing hardware—such as RAM and other components—needed for consumer electronics. Manufacturing plants have reached maximum capacity, with stock allocations booked until the end of 2027, causing a massive price surge.
While additional manufacturing plants are under construction, they are unlikely to be operational until 2028 at the earliest. Even then, component prices are unlikely to return to their original values due to sustained high demand. As a result, console prices are expected to continue rising for the foreseeable future. For those considering purchasing a console for GTA 6, now may be the cheapest time to buy.
