I was fairly optimistic re the price of the PS6 based on various reports recently about its makeup.
If hardware prices don’t settle down again though then I think all hardware coming out from mid 2026 will see a fairly leap in price, including existing SKUs that will need to adjust to DRAM increases if nothing else.
For PS6 it might not be the end of the world as it’ll all be relative, but as a consumer it will hurt and for Sony it will make getting people to adopt the newest models harder potentially.
I think people criticising the specs of the Steam Machine are overlooking how the vast majority of gamers are using Steam and the SteamDeck and PCs these days.
People tend to think PC and immediately go to the top end whereas that represents a tiny portion of the population.
Most seem happy with lower specs either because they’re less fussed about ultra graphics and crazy FPS (like most console gamers) or enjoy the ridiculous Steam library of older and indie games that run absolutely fine on a standard PC, and will be fine on the Machine.
Valve seemed confident the Machine will work for a wide user base on this basis and they’ve got the data to back that.
Someone above mentioned Currys as a place, in the U.K., where you could pickup the Machine’s consoles competition, if they’re even competing. If the Machine isn’t advertised more widely and available in stores then, like the SteamDeck, it won’t threaten PS as lots of people will never hear about it.
The fact that we’re commenting on this on a PS forum shows we’re more tuned in to the industry than about 90% plus of the audience. Those that just get their gaming news via shops and ads on TV could well miss the release of the Machine altogether.
For me the Machine looks interesting pending price and real world performance. More options for consumers is never a bad thing and I like how Valve do things on the whole. I will definitely be getting a PS6, and probably the handheld, but will be watching the Machine’s progress with interest.
The impact of all of the changes we’re seeing re hardware and what Xbox do next probably won’t be fully felt for another 5-10 years so we’ve got plenty of time to sit back and watch while enjoying our games on whatever we have today! Although, if I had to guess, I don’t think a huge amount will have changed in the worlds of PS and Nintendo - which is selfishly why I’m happy with my PS5 Pro and S2!
A bit interested and more so in the deck, for the same reason I’m really excited for the PS handheld. The specs aren’t ideal across the board so it’ll come down to price whether I cave.
A big reason I don’t think this will threaten PS is I don’t think they’ll promote it and stock it alongside consoles in stores. If they don’t a huge percentage of people won’t even know it exists, so it’ll never get into the console space.
For the console masses they’ll also have little interest in a PC trying to be console like.
I feel this is a bigger threat to Xbox at the moment. I do think Valves approach might help keep Sony a little more on their toes though, which can only be a good thing as a consumer!
I will say though, as a PS fan first currently, the place I could see me moving to most as an alternative is Steam, via the Machine and Deck.
All gaming companies are competing for people’s time with other entertainment companies.
Xbox isn’t being clever here, just stating the obvious and trying to justify the decisions they’ve been forced to make due to not having the install base needed to pull in the revenues they need.
I refuse to believe they would have put their games everywhere had they been In Sony’s position. MS love a monopoly.
Sony can’t be complacent, of course. But if they release a proper console that’s significantly cheaper than the PC hybrid Xbox are likely to release then I think they’ll be absolutely fine for the next decade or so, during which they can organise for a more fundamental change in how games are delivered/played.
Intrigued by the console, really interested in the handheld. AI/ML and hardware ray tracing upgrades could make a fair difference, but I suspect Sony know they’ve got quite a job to sell these to some people so will be planning for that.
If some of the leaks are accurate then the handheld could be great and a great thing to opt for even if you don’t see the point in the PS6 itself.
As someone with a PS5 Pro the handheld could well be the thing I go for first, but I’m weak so may also cave and get both…
Have said elsewhere, consoles eras should be thought of in overlap terms. We’re in the 4/5 period now, about to enter 5/6. That way you get up to 14 years out of a console, and I think if you’re happy with the 5 it’ll probably be supported until the 7 arrives, assuming it does.
As someone with a PS5 Pro I’m certainly not desperate for a new console. That said, the handheld is definitely of interest and I really like the approach Sony appears to be taking on the tech side with AMD.
Hopefully we end up with a range of scalable devices (PS5 to PS6 via the handheld) which allows people to choose when to adopt.
I think generations are now so blurred that you’re better off thinking about the overlap. We’re in the 4/5 era now about to enter the 5/6. That allows for the like 10+ years each console will be supported.
Despite the economic challenges and general negativity around consoles I’m still excited to see what Sony delivers!
I get the argument that more competition is better but Xbox hasn’t really been competing in any real sense with PS for a few years now. Despite this it feels like it’s been Xbox more than anyone who’s been raising prices and giving Sony a free pass in this area to do the same.
Without Xbox I still feel Sony has a fair amount of competition. They need to find the sweet spot between Nintendo and PC, they have Valve potentially offering an increasing threat to their area of the market and people will also consider spending on other forms of media against gaming. All of this means I just can’t see Sony going very high on console prices for PS6.
Global economic conditions make things difficult but recent leaks do suggest PS6 and the handheld have a chance of being quite competitively priced, whilst still offering a good bump in spec. The recent revenue numbers highlight how having a big install base is key to the record revenue they’re seeing, so I think that will play a part. I also agree with those saying Sony need to be aggressive re PS6 pricing because it’ll be hard to justify after a relatively dull PS5 era, although I think that applies to the hard core and most general gamers don’t really care as long as they can still play CoD/FC every year etc.
Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I’m not as worried as it seems most on here are. If Sonys prices do shoot up then I’m prepared to go Steam Deck 2 instead and/or stick with my PS5 Pro without any subscription. I’ve already binned my Series X and other subscriptions because I’m more keenly focusing on what value I get from things - it’s not just about price. It’s up to Sony to ensure the next gen offers value to me, across hardware and PS Plus.
Still haven’t properly got into Witcher 3 and I’m not sure I will.
As much as I want to due to how loved it is it’s not really my go to thing and the rest of my backlog will probably mean this stays unplayed. Maybe I’ll have a go just prior to Witcher 4 releasing!
For me, especially since I bought the Pro, Sony have quite a task to persuade me the PS6 is a worthwhile upgrade early in the generation, and I’m usually a day one or thereabouts adopter.
The PS5 generation feels weak so far with a lack of true exclusives at a good drumbeat. For a while it helped that XBox seemed in the same boat but in recent months the number of decent releases from Xbox has highlighted the lack of Sony equivalents - the only bonus being that a lot of those ended up on PS5 as well!
The things I think they have in their favour will be a possible strong finish/start to the PS5/6 era with things like Intergalactic, the handheld (I might go for that over the console for the variety) and hopefully a recovery from the Games as a Service nonsense, which means more games that land well in the early years of the next generation!
If they can land the price well I could also see people jumping from PS4 to 6, I do worry that it’ll be more like £800 than the £600 some have quoted. I think at the higher price it’ll put quite a lot of people off and with prices not dropping much anymore through a generation the overall sales will be interesting to see.
I could see streaming being part of the package, either as an option or just for the latest games which can’t run on the handheld device, perhaps only an issue later in the PS6 lifecycle as it really stretches its legs.
I’d be happy with that mix but the streaming service would need to be more accessible and not locked behind Premium.
Perhaps a more expensive native handheld and a Portal refresh would be a good pairing that gives users some choice.
I’m weak when it comes to gadgets so there’s a decent chance I’ll end up getting this. I do enjoy handheld gaming, even at home. I probably play the Switch more that way.
Part of the reason I could see me going handheld is I can’t see the PS6 justifying itself initially so I could stick with the PS5 Pro for a while and get the handheld instead. It being a refined console experience in handheld form will be a good selling point for people over the Windows handhelds, including the Xbox one.
The alternative could potentially be the Steam Deck 2, with a conscious move into Steam with an intent to spend less on PS Plus and games on PlayStation.
Good point. ‘Sensible’ upgrade option and I’d be tempted early. Full price new game and I’ll be waiting for a sale in a few months, although hopefully prior to GTA6 launching!
This should be my perfect game as I love the Wild West and rockstar games but I bounced off it twice.
I’ve held off a third attempt given these rumours so this could be third times a charm!
As well as 4k60 performance on PS5 I’d love some quality of life tweaks just to make some of the faff with inventory management and doing pretty much anything less arduous. I played this last after Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost, for me, did a much better job of getting out of your way so that you can enjoy the story, world and game - despite being worse that RDR2 in many ways in these areas!
Mine is due to renew next week. Even though I’ve got a Portal I’m going to drop from Premium to Extra as I’ve just not used the premium element enough.
I’ve considered stopping it altogether but I have used the games catalogue a fair bit, currently using it for Witcher 3, and it’s useful for the odd game for my kids too. I might keep a closer eye on how much I really use it this time round ahead of a renewal next year.
I’m actually tempted to only renew for 3 months for this reason, normally just do 12 for the better overall value. I suspect the backlog of games I own, plus Switch 2 and Yotei, would keep me going until GTA6 anyway!
My PS5 and Switch 2 are the perfect pairing. I’d agree that the original Switch can be hit and miss on a TV but the S2 is much stronger and Nintendo’s artistry makes up for a lot too on 1st party titles.
I’ll play things like Cyberpunk on PS5 personally and keep the S2 for Nintendo and indies games on the whole, but it’s much more capable of doing a good job with third party games than before, with the added bonus of portability.
I could be tempted by Train Sim 5, tend to dip into those every so often.
I’m just about to drop from Premium to Extra. Might have to see which games in my backlog I really couldn’t play without Extra as it’s not looking brilliant value at the moment for me.
Comments 19
Re: You Can Buy a Fully-Fledged PS5 for the Same Price as a Less Powerful Xbox Series S Right Now
I was fairly optimistic re the price of the PS6 based on various reports recently about its makeup.
If hardware prices don’t settle down again though then I think all hardware coming out from mid 2026 will see a fairly leap in price, including existing SKUs that will need to adjust to DRAM increases if nothing else.
For PS6 it might not be the end of the world as it’ll all be relative, but as a consumer it will hurt and for Sony it will make getting people to adopt the newest models harder potentially.
Re: Valve Won't Subsidise Steam Machine, Expected to Be Pricier Than More Powerful PS5
I think people criticising the specs of the Steam Machine are overlooking how the vast majority of gamers are using Steam and the SteamDeck and PCs these days.
People tend to think PC and immediately go to the top end whereas that represents a tiny portion of the population.
Most seem happy with lower specs either because they’re less fussed about ultra graphics and crazy FPS (like most console gamers) or enjoy the ridiculous Steam library of older and indie games that run absolutely fine on a standard PC, and will be fine on the Machine.
Valve seemed confident the Machine will work for a wide user base on this basis and they’ve got the data to back that.
Someone above mentioned Currys as a place, in the U.K., where you could pickup the Machine’s consoles competition, if they’re even competing. If the Machine isn’t advertised more widely and available in stores then, like the SteamDeck, it won’t threaten PS as lots of people will never hear about it.
The fact that we’re commenting on this on a PS forum shows we’re more tuned in to the industry than about 90% plus of the audience. Those that just get their gaming news via shops and ads on TV could well miss the release of the Machine altogether.
For me the Machine looks interesting pending price and real world performance. More options for consumers is never a bad thing and I like how Valve do things on the whole. I will definitely be getting a PS6, and probably the handheld, but will be watching the Machine’s progress with interest.
The impact of all of the changes we’re seeing re hardware and what Xbox do next probably won’t be fully felt for another 5-10 years so we’ve got plenty of time to sit back and watch while enjoying our games on whatever we have today! Although, if I had to guess, I don’t think a huge amount will have changed in the worlds of PS and Nintendo - which is selfishly why I’m happy with my PS5 Pro and S2!
Re: Poll: Does the Steam Machine Pose a Threat to PS5?
A bit interested and more so in the deck, for the same reason I’m really excited for the PS handheld. The specs aren’t ideal across the board so it’ll come down to price whether I cave.
A big reason I don’t think this will threaten PS is I don’t think they’ll promote it and stock it alongside consoles in stores. If they don’t a huge percentage of people won’t even know it exists, so it’ll never get into the console space.
For the console masses they’ll also have little interest in a PC trying to be console like.
I feel this is a bigger threat to Xbox at the moment. I do think Valves approach might help keep Sony a little more on their toes though, which can only be a good thing as a consumer!
I will say though, as a PS fan first currently, the place I could see me moving to most as an alternative is Steam, via the Machine and Deck.
Re: Rumour: PS Portal Could Be About to Get Even More Compelling
They need to drop the requirement for PS Plus premium for this to become compelling IMO.
Locking this sort of feature behind the top sub they have is why my Portal hasn’t got half as much use as it should have.
Re: 'Our Biggest Competition Isn't Another Console': Xbox Doubles Down on Multiformat After Halo PS5 Shock
All gaming companies are competing for people’s time with other entertainment companies.
Xbox isn’t being clever here, just stating the obvious and trying to justify the decisions they’ve been forced to make due to not having the install base needed to pull in the revenues they need.
I refuse to believe they would have put their games everywhere had they been In Sony’s position. MS love a monopoly.
Sony can’t be complacent, of course. But if they release a proper console that’s significantly cheaper than the PC hybrid Xbox are likely to release then I think they’ll be absolutely fine for the next decade or so, during which they can organise for a more fundamental change in how games are delivered/played.
Re: Talking Point: PS6 In 2027 - How Do You Feel About Sony's Next-Gen Console?
Intrigued by the console, really interested in the handheld. AI/ML and hardware ray tracing upgrades could make a fair difference, but I suspect Sony know they’ve got quite a job to sell these to some people so will be planning for that.
If some of the leaks are accurate then the handheld could be great and a great thing to opt for even if you don’t see the point in the PS6 itself.
As someone with a PS5 Pro the handheld could well be the thing I go for first, but I’m weak so may also cave and get both…
Have said elsewhere, consoles eras should be thought of in overlap terms. We’re in the 4/5 period now, about to enter 5/6. That way you get up to 14 years out of a console, and I think if you’re happy with the 5 it’ll probably be supported until the 7 arrives, assuming it does.
Re: PS6 Release Date Touted for 2027, Cheaper But Less Powerful Than Next Xbox
As someone with a PS5 Pro I’m certainly not desperate for a new console. That said, the handheld is definitely of interest and I really like the approach Sony appears to be taking on the tech side with AMD.
Hopefully we end up with a range of scalable devices (PS5 to PS6 via the handheld) which allows people to choose when to adopt.
I think generations are now so blurred that you’re better off thinking about the overlap. We’re in the 4/5 era now about to enter the 5/6. That allows for the like 10+ years each console will be supported.
Despite the economic challenges and general negativity around consoles I’m still excited to see what Sony delivers!
Re: PS6 May Go Uncontested as Rumours of Next-Gen Xbox Cancellation Force Microsoft to Comment
I get the argument that more competition is better but Xbox hasn’t really been competing in any real sense with PS for a few years now. Despite this it feels like it’s been Xbox more than anyone who’s been raising prices and giving Sony a free pass in this area to do the same.
Without Xbox I still feel Sony has a fair amount of competition. They need to find the sweet spot between Nintendo and PC, they have Valve potentially offering an increasing threat to their area of the market and people will also consider spending on other forms of media against gaming. All of this means I just can’t see Sony going very high on console prices for PS6.
Global economic conditions make things difficult but recent leaks do suggest PS6 and the handheld have a chance of being quite competitively priced, whilst still offering a good bump in spec. The recent revenue numbers highlight how having a big install base is key to the record revenue they’re seeing, so I think that will play a part. I also agree with those saying Sony need to be aggressive re PS6 pricing because it’ll be hard to justify after a relatively dull PS5 era, although I think that applies to the hard core and most general gamers don’t really care as long as they can still play CoD/FC every year etc.
Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I’m not as worried as it seems most on here are. If Sonys prices do shoot up then I’m prepared to go Steam Deck 2 instead and/or stick with my PS5 Pro without any subscription. I’ve already binned my Series X and other subscriptions because I’m more keenly focusing on what value I get from things - it’s not just about price. It’s up to Sony to ensure the next gen offers value to me, across hardware and PS Plus.
Re: These 13 PS5, PS4 Games Leave PS Plus Extra in August
Still haven’t properly got into Witcher 3 and I’m not sure I will.
As much as I want to due to how loved it is it’s not really my go to thing and the rest of my backlog will probably mean this stays unplayed. Maybe I’ll have a go just prior to Witcher 4 releasing!
Re: PS6 to 'Push the Boundaries' of Graphics, Doubles Down on Machine Learning
For me, especially since I bought the Pro, Sony have quite a task to persuade me the PS6 is a worthwhile upgrade early in the generation, and I’m usually a day one or thereabouts adopter.
The PS5 generation feels weak so far with a lack of true exclusives at a good drumbeat. For a while it helped that XBox seemed in the same boat but in recent months the number of decent releases from Xbox has highlighted the lack of Sony equivalents - the only bonus being that a lot of those ended up on PS5 as well!
The things I think they have in their favour will be a possible strong finish/start to the PS5/6 era with things like Intergalactic, the handheld (I might go for that over the console for the variety) and hopefully a recovery from the Games as a Service nonsense, which means more games that land well in the early years of the next generation!
If they can land the price well I could also see people jumping from PS4 to 6, I do worry that it’ll be more like £800 than the £600 some have quoted. I think at the higher price it’ll put quite a lot of people off and with prices not dropping much anymore through a generation the overall sales will be interesting to see.
Re: PS6's Rumoured Handheld Is Getting More Tangible by the Day
I could see streaming being part of the package, either as an option or just for the latest games which can’t run on the handheld device, perhaps only an issue later in the PS6 lifecycle as it really stretches its legs.
I’d be happy with that mix but the streaming service would need to be more accessible and not locked behind Premium.
Perhaps a more expensive native handheld and a Portal refresh would be a good pairing that gives users some choice.
Re: PS6's Rumoured Handheld Is Getting More Tangible by the Day
I’m weak when it comes to gadgets so there’s a decent chance I’ll end up getting this. I do enjoy handheld gaming, even at home. I probably play the Switch more that way.
Part of the reason I could see me going handheld is I can’t see the PS6 justifying itself initially so I could stick with the PS5 Pro for a while and get the handheld instead. It being a refined console experience in handheld form will be a good selling point for people over the Windows handhelds, including the Xbox one.
The alternative could potentially be the Steam Deck 2, with a conscious move into Steam with an intent to spend less on PS Plus and games on PlayStation.
Re: Red Dead Redemption 2's PS5 Version Could Be Announced Next Week
@DennisReynolds
Good point. ‘Sensible’ upgrade option and I’d be tempted early. Full price new game and I’ll be waiting for a sale in a few months, although hopefully prior to GTA6 launching!
Re: Red Dead Redemption 2's PS5 Version Could Be Announced Next Week
This should be my perfect game as I love the Wild West and rockstar games but I bounced off it twice.
I’ve held off a third attempt given these rumours so this could be third times a charm!
As well as 4k60 performance on PS5 I’d love some quality of life tweaks just to make some of the faff with inventory management and doing pretty much anything less arduous. I played this last after Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost, for me, did a much better job of getting out of your way so that you can enjoy the story, world and game - despite being worse that RDR2 in many ways in these areas!
Re: Random: Official PlayStation Console Diorama Pieces Are on the Way
@Slideaway1983
You’re right. I still have a Vita so should probably have got that! It was the hole in the bottom corner that threw me.
Re: Random: Official PlayStation Console Diorama Pieces Are on the Way
Pretty sure I can see a Vita in the picture? Between the PS1 and 4.
I’d get these to put on display in my den! Most of the stuff I have on shelves in there is toy/gaming related.
Re: 38% of PS Plus Members Are Paying More for Extra, Premium
Mine is due to renew next week. Even though I’ve got a Portal I’m going to drop from Premium to Extra as I’ve just not used the premium element enough.
I’ve considered stopping it altogether but I have used the games catalogue a fair bit, currently using it for Witcher 3, and it’s useful for the odd game for my kids too. I might keep a closer eye on how much I really use it this time round ahead of a renewal next year.
I’m actually tempted to only renew for 3 months for this reason, normally just do 12 for the better overall value. I suspect the backlog of games I own, plus Switch 2 and Yotei, would keep me going until GTA6 anyway!
Re: Switch 2 Can't Achieve a Great Experience on Big Screens, PS5 Boss Implies
My PS5 and Switch 2 are the perfect pairing. I’d agree that the original Switch can be hit and miss on a TV but the S2 is much stronger and Nintendo’s artistry makes up for a lot too on 1st party titles.
I’ll play things like Cyberpunk on PS5 personally and keep the S2 for Nintendo and indies games on the whole, but it’s much more capable of doing a good job with third party games than before, with the added bonus of portability.
Re: 9 PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for June 2025 Announced
I could be tempted by Train Sim 5, tend to dip into those every so often.
I’m just about to drop from Premium to Extra. Might have to see which games in my backlog I really couldn’t play without Extra as it’s not looking brilliant value at the moment for me.