David Gibson, a senior analyst at MST International, shared insights in a recent Japanese-language report on Sony’s performance and potential strategies.
Gibson expects Sony’s third-quarter earnings to exceed forecasts, thanks to strong sales of first and third-party games and continued growth in PlayStation Network (PSN) subscriptions. Q3 revenue is projected at around 1.8 trillion yen ($11.6 billion), with operating income hitting approximately 160 billion yen ($1 billion).
The report highlights that Sony is focusing on keeping PS5 users engaged, with active usage reaching all-time highs, rather than aggressively pushing hardware sales. This is part of a broader strategy to extend the PS5’s relevance well into the future.
Emmanuel Umahi
Moves Indicating a Longer PS5 Lifecycle
Sony’s recent decisions suggest a deliberate effort to extend the PS5 lifecycle. In November, the company launched a reduced-price PS5 model in Japan, and it implemented planned Black Friday price cuts in the U.S. and other markets. Gibson noted that the goal is to retain existing users and expand the console’s audience without rushing into the next generation.
“With PS5 user activity continuing to break records, Sony is prioritizing retention over new hardware expansion,” Gibson said. This approach, he added, is likely to push the PS6 launch beyond 2028, meaning fans may not see the next PlayStation console until 2029 at the earliest.
Another factor influencing Sony’s timing is the rising cost of memory and components, driven by high demand from companies producing AI chips. This could impact console prices and availability in the future. Gibson noted that while short-term performance is secure thanks to existing inventory, cost increases could affect the PS6 launch or PS5 price adjustments in the next fiscal year.
Emmanuel Umahi
PS5 Hits New Heights With 2025 Games
Sony’s current console continues to thrive thanks to strong game releases in 2025. IGN named Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 the best PlayStation game of the year, with runner-ups including Hollow Knight: Silksong, Dispatch, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Ghost of Yotei. These high-profile releases, combined with upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, are expected to keep PS5 sales and PSN engagement strong, further supporting the decision to delay the PS6
Sony has also hinted at a future console in talks by Mark Cerny, suggesting a launch “a few years from now.”
Rumours from 2025 hinted at a dockable PS6 handheld, adding to speculation that Sony may expand its console ecosystem rather than rush a traditional home console launch.
The evidence points to Sony intentionally stretching the PS5 lifecycle to maximize revenue and retain users, while external factors like component costs and software sales reinforce this strategy. For gamers, this means more time to enjoy the PS5 and its growing library of exclusives, but also longer waits for the PS6. For the industry, it highlights how hardware makers are balancing profitability, user engagement, and next-gen innovation in a rapidly evolving market.
Emmanuel Umahi
