Former PlayStation Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida has encouraged Sony to hold back the PlayStation 6, saying players and developers are 'very happy' using their PS5. In an interview with The Verge, Yoshida said Sony and Nintendo should focus on the PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 for 'as long as possible'.
Yoshida noted that both companies have sold enough current-generation hardware, and due to the cost of goods, they might be looking at pushing back the launch of next-gen consoles. 'I think they should try to keep the current generation as long as possible, because I think people are very happy using PlayStation 5 and Switch 2,' he said.
Why Delay the Next Generation?
The comments come amid rising console prices and a slow transition from the prior generation. Between the soaring prices of consoles and the lack of demand, there is a sense that nobody is ready for the PlayStation 6 or Project Helix other than Sony and Xbox. Despite this, both consoles are expected to launch in 2027 based on leaks and manufacturing info.
Yoshida emphasized the lack of demand for more power, stating: 'I don't think lots of people are asking for more power – 'We need more power!' – or even developers. I don't think developers are asking [for] better hardware. So I think that means that the current generation, Sony and Nintendo are going to do pretty well for many years to come, still.'
Xbox's Different Position
While Sony and Nintendo can afford to ride out their current generation consoles over a longer timeframe, the same cannot be said for Xbox. Microsoft's current console has sold poorly, giving them more reason to launch a console next year. Sony may remember the advantage the Xbox 360 gained by launching a year before the PlayStation 3, which could be pushing their 2027 plans.
'Xbox is a team who wants to change the competing landscape, so it's going to be hard for them, but it's their time to play,' Yoshida added. 'It's very exciting, what's going to happen next year?'
Challenges for the Next Generation
The toughest challenge Sony and Microsoft face with the next generation is justifying its existence. Exclusive games could drive console sales, but with sky-high development costs for AAA games, limiting a game's audience may not be financially viable. Nintendo has struck a balance with the Switch 2, combining exclusive games like Mario Kart World and cross-gen titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, but their higher attach rate allows for more risks with exclusivity.
This leaves Sony and Microsoft in an awkward position, where they might be forced to release new hardware next year at a time when no one is really asking for it.
