We’re already thinking about the PS6, despite it being almost three years since the PS5 launched. But, like most consoles, Sony has guaranteed that it is already looking for its successor.
We’re unlikely to see another new, mainline PlayStation console for a few years yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fantasize about what we’d like to see from the next PlayStation — or predict that we’ll have to. When are we likely to get our hands on it. After all, we know that Sony is already thinking about the future by trademarking the names PS6, PS7, PS8, PS9, and PS10.
In the meantime, it’s highly likely we’ll see Sony release a PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro, though when that will happen is anyone’s guess. That is, assuming the previous generation is anything to go by, where the PS4 released PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro variants several years after the base console. Mid-generation hardware revisions are very common these days.
PS6
So, while we’re still enjoying the PS5 and the best PS5 games, we’ve gathered everything we want to see from the PS6 and what to expect when we get our hands on the PlayStation next.
PS6 Release Date: When Do We Expect It To Launch?
The PS6 is likely going away. The PS5 was only released in November 2020, so it’s unlikely that Sony will consider releasing a new PlayStation for several years. PlayStation consoles typically launch about six or seven years apart, with the PS4 arriving in 2013 and the PS5 in 2020.
In an interview with Game Informer (opens in new tab)Sony’s executive VP of hardware engineering Masayasu Ito confirmed that the PS5 life cycle is expected to last around six or seven years, meaning we won’t see the PS6 until at least 2026.
“In fact, in the past, the cycle for a new platform was seven to 10 years, but given the very rapid growth and development of technology, it is actually a platform cycle of six to seven years,” Masayasu said.
“Then we haven’t fully caught up with the rapid development of technology, so our thinking is that as far as a platform for PS5 is concerned, it’s probably a six to seven year cycle. But. In doing so, a platform lifecycle, we should be able to change the hardware itself and try to incorporate advances in technology. That was the thinking behind it, and the test case for that thinking was the PS4 Pro which was released midway through the PS4 launch cycle. was launched in
It looks like Sony is following a similar roadmap to the PS4, which means we’re likely to see a PS5 Pro or PS5 Slim release sometime in the middle of this lifecycle: around 2023 or 2024.
PS6: what we want to see
a small console
The PS5 is a massive console. In fact, it is the largest console in modern history. But bigger isn’t always better, and the PS5’s size makes it impractical for those who don’t have a shelving unit to hold it — and, let’s be honest, not many of us do.
With the PS6 (and probably the PS5 Slim version as well), we’re hoping Sony can learn from its mistakes, making the next-generation console smaller and more streamlined while still allowing enough airflow.
More affordable expandable internal storage
Once Sony drops a software update to enable it, it will be possible to expand the PS5’s internal storage by popping off the side panel and installing an SSD — but it’s not that easy. The PS5 only accepts compatible NVMe SSDs, matching or better than existing drive specifications, and they don’t come cheap.
These types of SSDs are usually very expensive, meaning players may opt for external storage instead – but unfortunately, these external storage options don’t harness the PS5’s raw power. With the PS6, we hope Sony makes it easier to expand the internal storage – perhaps taking a similar approach to the Xbox Series X’s expandable storage cards.
Built-in bluetooth audio support – so we don’t need a dongle for official headsets
It is shocking that, in the year 2020, a new game console was launched and it requires you to plug-in a USB dongle receiver to use your own brand of wireless headphones. Like, what the real hell is Sony. Talk about an aesthetic assault on our eyes and the storage area under the TV. Simply you will create great support in PS6. good grief.
Wireless charging for controllers/headset – can simply be placed on top when turned off
Sure, the Sony Charging Dock for PS5 DualSense controllers works pretty well and the controllers slide nicely against the charging pins — but we don’t want another piece of hardware by our TV. Sony should take a leaf out of the smartphone industry’s book and build a wireless charging pad into the top of the PS6. This will allow you to place a controller on top of the console for charging when you’re not gaming – and you can also extend the wireless charging technology to headphones, a media remote and any number of other peripherals.
Wire-free (and zero-latency) connection to TV
There are too many wires behind our media stations – and the PlayStation 5 is the guilty party. We have power and HDMI, as well as a completely separate plug block for the controller charging base. Add in the HD camera, and the extra cable for the PSVR 2 at launch and things get messy. With the PS6, we want that single power lead and everything else to be wireless – obviously with zero lag and latency.
Improve UI
The updated PS5 UI certainly screams “next-gen,” but it also has some flaws we’d like to see ironed out with the PS6. The PlayStation Store is a pain to navigate, especially when it comes to finding sales, trying to find your friends and organize a party isn’t as easy as it was with the PS4 and — to top it all — here. Even trying to find the ‘close’ button takes longer than it should. While the PS4 UI absolutely needed an update, we found it more accessible to use. With the PS6, we expect Sony to settle on a middle ground that’s both futuristic and accessible.