PS6: When can we expect the PlayStation 6 and what do we want to see?
It may be early days for the PS5, but we’re already thinking about the PS6 (aka the PlayStation 6).
It’s unlikely we’ll see a new, mainline PlayStation console in the coming years, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fantasize about what we’d like to see from the next PlayStation – or predict when we’ll likely get our hands on it . After all, we know that Sony is already thinking of the future, trademarking the names PS6, PS7, PS8, PS9 and PS10.
So we’ve gathered everything we want to see from the PS6 and when we expect to get the next PlayStation.
PS6 Release Date: When Do We Expect It To Launch?
The PS6 will probably be a long way off. The PS5 wasn’t released until November 2020, so Sony is unlikely to consider releasing a brand new PlayStation in a number of years.
Typically, PlayStation consoles launch about six or seven years apart, with the PS4 arriving in 2013 and the PS5 arriving in 2020.
In an interview with Game Informer, Sony’s Executive VP of Hardware Engineering Masayasu Ito confirmed that the PS5 lifecycle is expected to be around six or seven years, meaning we won’t see the PS6 until 2026.
“In the past, the cycle for a new platform was indeed seven to ten years, but given the very rapid development and evolution of technology, it is actually a six to seven year platform cycle,” said Masayasu.
“ Then we can’t fully catch up with the rapid development of the technology, which is why we think as far as a platform for the PS5 is concerned, it’s a cycle of maybe six to seven years. But if we do, a platform lifecycle should be able to change the hardware itself and try to accommodate technological advancements.
“That was the rationale, and the test case of that thought was the PS4 Pro launched midway through the PS4 launch cycle.”
It looks like Sony is following a similar roadmap to the PS4, meaning we’ll likely see a PS5 Pro or PS5 Slim release somewhere in the middle of this lifecycle: around 2023 or 2024.
PS6: what we want to see
A smaller console
The PS5 is a massive console. In fact, it is the largest console in modern history. But bigger doesn’t always mean better, and the PS5’s size makes it impractical for those who don’t have the shelf to house it – and let’s face it, not many of us do. With the PS6 (and maybe even a PS5 Slim Edition), we hope Sony can learn from its mistakes, making the next-gen console smaller and more streamlined, while still providing plenty of airflow.
More affordable expandable internal storage
It will be possible to expand the PS5’s internal storage by removing the side panel and installing an SSD, once Sony drops a software update to enable it – but it’s not that simple. The PS5 only accepts compatible NVMe SSDs, which match or excel beyond existing drive specifications, and they don’t come cheap. These kinds of SSDs tend to be quite pricey, meaning players can opt for external storage instead – but unfortunately, these external storage options don’t take advantage of the PS5’s raw power. With the PS6, we hope Sony will make expanding internal storage easier – perhaps an approach similar to the Xbox Series X’s expandable memory card.
Built-in Bluetooth audio support – so we don’t need a dongle for the official headset
It’s baffling that a brand new game console was launched in the year 2020 and you need to plug in a USB dongle receiver to use its own brand wireless headphones. Like, what the actual hell Sony. Talk about an aesthetic attack on our eyes and under the TV storage area. Just build the great support in the PS6. Good grief.
Wireless charging for controllers / headset – can simply be placed on top when switched off
Sure, the Sony charging dock for the PS5 DualSense controllers works pretty well and the controllers glide nicely against the charging pins – but we don’t want yet another piece of hardware with our TV. Sony should take a leaf out of the smartphone industry book and incorporate a wireless charging pad into the top of the PS6. For example, you can place a controller on top of the console to charge when you’re not gaming – and you could even extend the wireless charging technology to headphones, a media remote and other peripherals.
Wireless (and zero-latency) connection to the TV
There are far too many cables behind our media stations – and the PlayStation 5 is to blame. We have the power and HDMI, plus a completely separate power strip for the controller’s charging dock. Add the HD camera and extra cable for PSVR 2 when it launches and things are a mess. With the PS6, we want a single power cable and everything else to be wireless – with no lag and latency, of course.
Improve the user interface
The updated PS5 UI definitely screams “next-gen”, but it also has some shortcomings that we’d like to iron out with the PS6. The PlayStation Store is tricky to navigate, especially when it comes to finding sales, looking for friends and hosting a party isn’t as easy as with the PS4 and – to top it all off – even try the ‘out button takes longer than it should. While the PS4 UI was definitely in need of an update, we found it more accessible to use. With the PS6, we hope Sony will settle for a middle ground that is both futuristic and accessible.