The PS5 is about to enter its sixth year on the market, and players around the globe are all hungry to find out what’s next for the console titan. Virtually all of the specifics regarding the sixth PlayStation are still unknown, but that hasn’t stopped people from theorizing and speculating about what’s in store for the next generation.
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Big questions like the price and the actual release date are hot debates that are constantly changing, while other aspects, like the design and the launch games, remain incredibly open. There’s a long wishlist of things people want and expect, so only time will tell how many of those predictions actually come true.
Release Window
Sooner Rather Than Later
Details:
- Mentions of anywhere between 2027 and 2030
- Falls in line with the previous console gaps
Release dates are one of the most important pieces of information when it comes to a new console generation. It can take years for the hardware to develop far enough to warrant a new set of devices, and in the past, it has often taken upwards of seven years for the next step to be fully taken.
The PS5 lineup was released back in late 2020, which means if things are moving along at a steady pace, then players should expect the PS6 to arrive at some point in the next few years. However, there doesn’t seem to be any rush to push out a new device immediately, as PlayStation already holds a commanding position in the console market, so they can afford to bide their time until they are ready.
Hardware
Leveling Up In Every Way Possible
Details:
- Continued partnership with AMD
- Hopes of a more modular experience similar to a PC
The internal components of each console generation are always speculated long before any trailer actually drops. For the PS6, theories about 32GB of GDDR7 RAM, Gen 5 NVMe SSDs, and a full ray-tracing-supportive GPU have begun to gain traction, as the expectation is for a pretty sizable jump from the PS5 and even the PS5 Pro.
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But more interesting, people are theorizing that the next set of consoles will come with more modularity, on a larger scale than just a detachable disc drive. Easier upgrades that can improve products over time, or even a Lite version of the device, could make the next generation feel far more bespoke and tailored, offering something for both casuals and hardcore gamers.
Design
Those Early Concepts May Come True Eventually
Details:
- Smaller form factor than the PS5
- Modern cooling systems factored into the design
The design philosophy of PlayStation has always put an emphasis on modernity and functionality. As impressive as the PS5 looks, it is also designed in a way that allows for better airflow and improved thermal performance, but many people criticized the device for being a bit on the larger size, and hence tricky to house in certain locations.
The hope is that the next set of PS consoles will be on the smaller side, whilst still packing a serious punch on the performance side of things. Also, many people love the idea of customizing their hardware, like replacing the side panels for different colors or designs, so it would be nice to see something similar be possible with the PS6 generation.
AI Focus
From Upscaling To System Optimization
Details:
- Improved technology surrounding visuals
- Potential for smarter internal management and additional accessibility tools
In just a short console generation, AI has gone from a thing of the future to a present tool that is used by millions around the globe. When it comes to gaming, it is already being used for upscaling, translation, and even actual development, with the hopes of shortening the time between larger projects.
In terms of the role that AI will play on the PS6, there are theories surrounding real-time translation and further visual enhancements that allow games to look and feel better without affecting the overall performance. As AI gets smarter, these tools will only become better and more integrated into the core experience, altering everything from menu navigation to in-game difficulty.
Price
Everything Is Up In The Air
Details:
- Uncertain parts market
- Hopes for competitive pricing with Xbox
Perhaps the most important question on everyone’s minds is what the next set of consoles is going to cost. The PS5 retailed at $499, with the digital version coming in at $399, a price point that many people thought was fair and reasonable compared to the costs of consoles in the past.
Unfortunately, prices are currently all over the place in the gaming world, as RAM soars into the four figures and other parts become increasingly scarce across the world. This may mean that the dream of another $500 console may be too good to be true, with the actual price being pushed slightly higher into the $600 or even $700 range.
Software
Letting Players Interact With Their Games Far More
Details:
- Instant rewind system rumored
- Expectations of a more PC-feeling experience
For a lot of people, software is a pretty big game-changer when it comes to their perception of a device. Many people come to a specific platform for a single feature, or they may simply prefer the UI, so the PS6 needs to make sure that every part of the software is both user-friendly but also highly innovative.
One innovation that has been rumoured is for a rewind system that would allow players to replay a moment within a game at the click of a button. The specifics for how this mechanic would work are obviously still unknown, but that kind of functionality is exactly what players need from the next generation of consoles.
Backwards Compatability
Bringing Back The Classics
Details:
- Extending the catalog to even older generations
- Matching the Xbox’s extensive library
Video games are the bread and butter of consoles. They are quite literally devices designed to play games, but despite all the new releases, many gamers like being able to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some classic titles that they either enjoyed in the past or missed when they came out.
Xbox has already taken big strides in the backwards compatibility direction, letting players explore a huge range of titles across many generations, all on a single device. Hopefully, the PS6 follows suit, giving players the chance to experience brand-new blockbuster games, whilst also having the choice of playing some classics should they want to.
Performance
A Real Leap Forward
Details:
- Consumers will need a significant jump to warrant the purchase
- Better performance for both new and older games
Console performance is a debate that many people could talk about for hours on end. PC gamers are often turned away by the FPS or the limited overall performance, and while consoles like the PS5 come with some far better optimization and more consistent experiences, they do still lack the power that exists elsewhere.
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Something that would be great from the PS6 is to see more options for performance tweaking, like unlocking FPS and being able to change far more in-game systems, like on a PC. But also, in order for the console to be worth it for PS5 users, the jump needs to be pretty absurd, with the minimum expectation being high FPS ray-tracing even in the most intensive games.
First-Party Titles
Flagship Franchises From The Get-Go
Details:
- Many fans were disappointed with the exclusives of the PS5
- Bring back some healthy competition to the space
With each new console generation comes a whole new set of games to lead players into another period of fun and joy. The PS5 generation had a modest selection of games, notably the Spider-Man franchise, but for the most part, it was fairly lacking in exclusives, many of which have already moved to PC just a few years after their first launch.
If the PS6 wants to make a serious splash, then players need some pretty big games to get them excited to upgrade their system. There are already some huge games on the horizon, like ES6 and The Witcher 4, and if Sony manages to add a few more exclusive names as well, then suddenly it becomes a much more appealing console, even for those with a PS5 Pro.
Handheld
Beyond The Portals
Details:
- Behind-the-scenes information regarding a true handheld console
- Chances for a different kind of PlayStation experience
The PlayStation Portal is an interesting first look at the next step in handheld gaming for Sony. It has been a while since the company went fully portable with the Vita, but there are rumors of a fully standalone device that would let players play their library of PlayStation games from anywhere in the world.
This experience would be a jump from the streaming version seen on the portal, and would bring the device more in line with something like a Steam Deck. Xbox is already dipping its toes into the portable market, so it would be great to see Sony do the same, giving players a less powerful but lightweight alternative that would let them play PS6 games at a lower price point.
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