PS6 and Next-Gen Xbox Just Took Another Major Hit

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As a gamer, I’ve noticed console generations used to last around 5 to 7 years, pretty consistently. But lately, things are different. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S came out in 2020, and we’re still waiting for the next versions. Valve’s been working on the Steam Machine for ages, but we haven’t even seen what it looks like yet! And even the Nintendo Switch, which is finally getting a new model in 2025, was already 8 years old and still getting plenty of games. It feels like consoles are lasting way longer these days.

The gaming industry is shifting, and it’s not really about the games themselves. A worldwide shortage of key components used to build consoles is forcing companies to rethink their plans for the next generation. This means gamers will likely have to wait a long time for new consoles, and one company might be especially affected.

How A Memory Chip Shortage Is Going To Impact Console Gaming

The technology industry is likely facing a severe shortage of memory chips, and this could significantly affect gaming consoles for quite some time. The growing popularity of artificial intelligence and the increasing number of data centers worldwide are driving up demand for these chips. This is causing problems across many industries, but it’s particularly noticeable in gaming. The current generation of consoles has already lasted longer than usual – the PlayStation 5, released in 2020, is still going strong, even though most console generations last around five years.

Recent reports suggest Sony is considering delaying the PlayStation 6 to address a shortage of key memory chips. This would allow them time to secure more supply and potentially avoid raising the console’s price, which could also limit how many units are available. Nintendo is also reportedly looking at increasing the price of the Switch 2 due to the same chip shortage. While the Switch 2 has a strong track record of success, Sony, Microsoft, and Valve may face different challenges navigating this situation.

The Memory Chip Shortage Could Seriously Complicate The Next Console Generation

The video game industry usually pushes technological boundaries, so the absence of new consoles is surprisingly significant. Although rumors about the PlayStation 6 are common, the current PlayStation’s strong sales mean Sony doesn’t urgently need a new model. Eventually, sales will slow down, making a new console essential for maintaining Sony’s market position. The shortage of memory chips poses a greater challenge for Microsoft and Valve. This shortage has already delayed the Steam Machine, affecting its planned release date and price. Fortunately, Valve has the Steam platform and the Steam Deck to fall back on for now.

Microsoft faces a bigger challenge. The Xbox hasn’t performed as well as its competitors this generation, leading Microsoft to release games previously only available on Xbox on other platforms. A new Xbox console could revitalize the brand, particularly if it offers unique features or a competitive price. However, ongoing supply shortages could prevent Microsoft from launching the next Xbox before its rivals, like Sony and Steam.

When the PlayStation 3 faced delays, it actually helped the Xbox 360 launch successfully, giving Microsoft a valuable head start and leading to the best sales numbers for any Xbox console. Now, a shortage of memory cards could disrupt current plans, which is concerning for a brand already facing reduced support. While frustrating for gamers on a budget, this shortage could be a major setback for the current generation of consoles, as they need to perform exceptionally well to challenge Sony and Nintendo’s dominance in the gaming market.

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2026-02-16 23:40