The PlayStation 6 could cost significantly more than gamers initially expected. According to a new report, the console’s price could rise significantly because of higher technology and hardware costs. However, there are still other ways in which Sony could handle the costs.
According to Ampere Analysis, rising production and hardware costs could prompt Sony to rethink its traditional approach. In the report, Ampere’s scenario analysis projects a $1,000 price point for next-generation consoles.
Ampere also estimates that if next-generation consoles launch at a higher price, PlayStation adoption could be 38% lower than that of the current generation during the first five years after launch.
Research Director at Ampere Analysis Piers Harding-Rolls stated, “The economics of console gaming have changed significantly. If Sony and Microsoft take conventionally designed, incrementally improved consoles to market at substantially higher prices, our forecasts suggest they risk reducing the addressable audience for the next generation.”
PS5 was priced at $499.99 in 2020. Before this, the PS4’s price was $399.99. According to Ampere’s scenario analysis, if the PS6 launches at around $700, Sony could see better results than if the console costs $1,000.
Why Sony isn’t out of options yet
The analysis report also suggests that Sony is not out of options yet and could keep next-generation PlayStation consoles more affordable while maintaining their technological improvements.
According to Harding-Rolls, challenging markets can serve as a catalyst for innovation. Sony still has time to rethink the structure of the next-gen console, from hardware design to pricing and advertising. Sony could also explore new subscription models and ways for players to access games.
The Senior Research Director added, “The winners of the next generation may not be those that deliver the status quo, but those that find the most compelling way to make high-end gaming accessible, desirable and economically sustainable.”
Furthermore, Ampere identified three potential strategies that Sony could use for the launch of the PS6. According to their analysis, one strategy could involve delaying the launch beyond the 2028 window.
Another strategy would allow Sony to maintain the 2028 launch window, but use greater hardware subsidies, new revenue streams, stronger digital-content strategies, and more efficient sales channels to help keep the console’s price lower.
Finally, Sony could rethink the hardware’s form factor and use cases without placing as much emphasis on graphical improvements, with the aim of keeping next-generation consoles below $1,000.
