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According to a Windows Central report, Microsoft is losing ~$150 on every Xbox Series X|S console it sells right now – and it’ll continue to be in the red even after it increases the device’s price in August.
Beginning this Saturday, a 1TB Xbox Series X will set you back $800 – an absurd sum for a system almost six years old.
But in the Redmond firm’s defence, this is out of its hands. Sony, Nintendo, and Valve have all had to increase hardware prices, as a result of a memory component crisis, led by the demands of AI.
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It’s a sobering stat, and while PlayStation’s purchasing power is likely to protect it a little from the worst of this, it’s going to make the environment extremely challenging for the PS6.
Rumours suggest Sony was plotting a scaled-back, cost efficient console and handheld next-gen – but it’s best laid plans will likely be scuppered by the memory crisis, and it’s going to be difficult to justify a $1,000+ piece of hardware, especially in an era of diminishing returns.
It’s possible PlayStation may delay the unit, but costs may not come down until 2030, when the PS5 will be particularly stale. It’s unlikely Sony will scrap all its existing work on the PS6 and start over.
I think this could all lead to the greatest console crisis we’ve probably ever seen. I just don’t know how manufacturers drum up enthusiasm for these machines.
I understand Sony’s probably going to focus on cross-gen experiences, which span both the PS5 and the PS6. But with its reputation in the gutter right now, I don’t see things getting better when it rocks up with an extremely expensive device most people don’t even want.
PlayStation is a savvy marketer, and it’s always managed to successfully build hype around its products. But I think it’s going to need to be at the absolute top of its game to navigate the headwinds facing the PS6.
The problem is: I’ve seen no evidence its current management is good enough to overcome the issues it’s facing.
This generation transition needs strong, consumer-facing leadership – and that’s the exact opposite of what PlayStation has right now.