PlayStation's current console, the PlayStation 5, is still in high demand with stock shortages continuing to make it difficult to come by, yet new leaks are already pointing to clues for when fans may be seeing a PlayStation 6 console hitting the market. The information was pieced together from comments relating to Call of Duty within documents on Microsoft's attempted acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. While nothing is known for sure, the acquisition documents have led to speculations that sound entirely plausible
The PlayStation 5 console is just a couple years into its life cycle but Sony engineers have likely been hard at work designing the next console due to how long the development process is. Previously, PlayStation consoles have launched around 6 to 7 years apart, but now it sounds as though the PS5 may get an even longer lifespan than that. As difficult as it still is for prospective buyers of the PS5 to find a console available, this longer stretch of time makes sense.
Call Of Duty Hints Suggest PlayStation 6 May Be Coming As Early As 2027 Or 2028
Per Game Rant's in-depth reading of documents on Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard acquisition, the earliest that the PS6 may launch would be late 2027, but more likely 2028. This comes, in part, due to Sony's rights to Call of Duty on the PlayStation until 2027. Within the documents, it's mentioned both Sony having access to Call of Duty on PlayStation in upcoming years until 2027, and later it's mentioned again that Sony would have special access to Call of Duty until the next PlayStation console release, if those two statements are connected, then late 2027 or 2028 would be the earliest a PS6 may happen.
PlayStation May Take Longer To Release A PS6
Given the current difficulties with obtaining hardware, specifically semiconductor chip shortages, it has been a struggle for PlayStation to keep up with demand for the PS5, even nearly 3 years after its initial release. The high demand for this console generation, combined with high hardware costs and shortages, could cause PlayStation to push a PS6 release further into the future when perhaps the machinery will not be so hard to obtain.
The PS5 remains an incredibly popular console, and many are still waiting for the opportunity to purchase one for themselves. Sony has continued to be busy with the recent release of PSVR 2 and its launch games, and may remain occupied with hardware if rumors surrounding a PS5 model with detachable disc drive turn out to be true. No doubt a PS6 will be amazing when it arrives but for now, the PlayStation 5 is still demanding attention.
Source: Game Rant