Sony Hints at Next-Gen PlayStation Console Plans

As the PS5 approaches its fifth anniversary, Sony executives have started to open up—albeit cautiously—about the future of console gaming and what lies beyond the current generation. In a recent investor-focused interview published on Sony’s corporate site, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO and president Hideaki Nishino was directly asked: with cloud gaming becoming increasingly viable, is there still a need for a next-gen console? And is SIE already working on one?

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Nishino began by reaffirming the ongoing relevance of physical console hardware, despite the rapid evolution of cloud gaming:

“We’ve been involved in cloud gaming for over 11 years now, supporting PS3, PS4, and PS5 generations. We’re proud of the quality we’ve delivered through services like cloud streaming on PlayStation Plus Premium and our beta program on the PlayStation Portal.

“Technically, cloud gaming has made solid progress. However, long-term sustainability of the business model remains a challenge. One key factor—end-to-end network stability—is beyond our control.

“While cloud gaming is becoming an accessible option for players, we believe most gamers still prefer the experience of local execution, free from network dependency. The strong reception of both the PS5 and PS5 Pro supports this view.”

In short, Sony remains fully committed to dedicated gaming hardware for the foreseeable future.

But what about a successor to the PS5?

Addressing the inevitable question, Nishino offered a telling response:

“Our console business has evolved into a multi-faceted platform with a vast, engaged ecosystem spanning both PS5 and PS4 users. Naturally, there's significant interest in our next-generation strategy.

“While we can’t share specific details at this time, the future of our platform is a top priority. We’re actively exploring new and enhanced ways for players to interact with our content and services.”

The message is clear: yes, Sony is developing a next-generation console—likely what fans are already calling the PS6. While not explicitly confirmed, this aligns with industry norms. Console manufacturers typically begin early research and development on the next system shortly after launching the current one. Sony reportedly began PS5 development right after the PS4 launched in November 2013. By that timeline, PS6 development may have quietly been underway for years.

Though Nishino didn’t reveal technical details, clues from Sony’s recent moves suggest possible directions. While a traditional, more powerful home console is expected, Sony may also be exploring a hybrid portable model. The evolution of the PlayStation Portal hints at growing interest in mobile gameplay experiences. When asked about the Portal’s role in future strategy, Nishino acknowledged its importance but remained noncommittal about handhelds being part of the next generation.

The conversation around a next-gen console has been building since the PS5’s launch in November 2020. With the console now past its midpoint and Microsoft advancing into handheld territory with Xbox-branded devices, the industry is clearly shifting. What form Sony’s next leap will take remains to be seen.

Notably, in February, former SIE Worldwide Studios CEO Shawn Layden argued that Sony cannot transition to an all-digital, discless PS6 without alienating a significant portion of its global audience. While Xbox has succeeded with a digital-first approach in select English-speaking markets, Sony’s dominance in approximately 170 countries brings added responsibility.

“I don’t think Sony can get away with it now,” Layden said. “If we go discless, how many users are left behind? Can someone in rural Italy reliably stream AAA games? What about regions with limited internet infrastructure?”

Furthermore, reports from September of the previous year indicated that AMD secured the chip contract for the PS6, beating out Intel in 2022. Given the historical seven-year gap between console launches—PS4 in November 2013, PS5 in November 2020—the PS6 could arrive as early as November 2027.

Potential launch titles may already be in development. Hideo Kojima’s upcoming espionage game Physint could be positioned as a next-gen showcase. Similarly, The Witcher 4, not expected until at least 2027, might be designed to debut on PS6 hardware.

While details remain under wraps, one thing is certain: the next era of PlayStation is already in motion.