Rumor: PlayStation 6 Memory Alone Could Cost Over $680

Important Note: This is a rumor that has NOT yet been officially confirmed by Sony.

The PlayStation 6 could be very expensive. According to insider KeplerL2, RAM and flash memory alone are expected to cost Sony "over $680" per console. The video game portal VGC was the first to report on this, with the statement originating from a post on the NeoGAF forum.

What exactly does the insider claim about the PS6?

KeplerL2 writes that "RAM + NAND alone" would account for more than $680 per unit for the PlayStation 6. These components were significantly cheaper at the time Sony finalized the console's design. According to VGC, the insider is known for reliably reporting on AMD hardware in the past. Nothing has been officially confirmed – neither Sony nor AMD have commented on the figures.

Why are memory chips becoming so expensive right now?

The background to this is a global shortage: demand from AI data centers has made memory and flash chips scarce and expensive. Buyers are already feeling the effects – a PS5 now costs over 50 percent more (around $200 or £) than at launch, according to VGC, and the PS5 Pro stands at $899 after two price increases within a year. Xbox has also announced a next-generation console under the codename Helix and warned that new business models might be necessary to cover costs.

What does this mean for the price of next-gen consoles?

Analysts have long debated whether the next generation will cross the $1,000 mark. Joost van Dreunen from Aldora considers this certain and warns that the new generation might not arrive until 2028. Newzoo analyst Manu Rosier, on the other hand, expects a base model to remain under $999 for psychological and marketing reasons – but premium variants could be more expensive.

From our perspective, the rumor primarily highlights how much hardware prices are currently under pressure. Even if the $680 figure isn't entirely accurate, it seems plausible that Sony will have less leeway with the PS6 than with previous consoles. For us gamers, this means: if you're planning on a new console, you should keep an eye on PS5 prices and prepare for a later and more expensive next generation. Until Sony itself announces figures, everything remains speculation.

Source: VGC

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