Next-Generation Consoles
Ongoing coverage on Next-Generation Consoles.
Latest coverage
Brace yourselves, Sony is already making PS6 sound terrifyingly expensive
Sony has indicated that the PlayStation 6 is unlikely to be heavily subsidized, suggesting a potentially high launch price due to rising component costs. The company stated it does not intend to sell hardware at significant losses, implying consumers may bear the brunt of increased expenses. This follows recent price hikes for the PlayStation 5 and suggests a trend towards more expensive console generations.
PS6 will cost Sony £750 just for the raw materials says insider
An insider estimates the raw materials for the PlayStation 6 could cost around $960 (£730), significantly increasing the potential retail price. This surge is attributed to rising memory and hard drive costs, driven by demand for AI data centers, impacting all hardware manufacturers. Sony and Microsoft may face difficult decisions regarding console pricing and profitability.
PS6 is Unlikely to Face Delays Since R&D, Manufacturing Deals Are “Basically Done” – Rumor
Industry insider KeplerL2 suggests that Sony's PlayStation 6 is unlikely to face delays beyond its rumored 2027 launch, despite ongoing memory shortages. Deals with TSMC for APU fabrication and potential GDDR7 contracts are reportedly in place, making a delay financially disadvantageous for Sony. Discussions also touched upon next-generation console performance, with analysis suggesting a focus on frame rates rather than just image quality.
Sony Might Be Mulling Delaying The PS6’s Release From Its Planned 2027 Launch, Per Rumors
Rumors suggest Sony may delay the PlayStation 6 launch from its planned 2027 release to 2028 or 2029 due to rising hardware costs, particularly for AI components. While unconfirmed, an Embracer annual report hinted at this possibility, with Sony likely concerned about passing increased prices onto consumers already facing higher costs for current-generation PlayStation devices.
19.00 – Xbox Games Showcase med Gears of War: E-Day
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 will heavily feature Gears of War: E-Day with a dedicated post-show. The event is expected to reveal release dates for Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Grounded 2, with potential updates on State of Decay 3 and next-generation Xbox consoles. Forza Horizon 5 is also mentioned as a possible reveal for PlayStation 5.
Xbox will not share Project Helix news during the Xbox Games Showcase
Xbox has stated that there will be no news regarding the next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, shared during the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase in June. The company is focusing on other announcements for the event.
Modern Warfare 4 is coming to the Switch 2, but not PS4 or Xbox One
Activision has announced Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which will launch on October 23rd for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2. This marks the first Call of Duty title on a Nintendo console since Call of Duty: Ghosts on the Wii U. The game will skip the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and the free-to-play Call of Duty: Warzone will also be removed from those older platforms.
What Do You Want from a May 2026 State of Play Showcase?
This article discusses player expectations for an upcoming May 2026 PlayStation State of Play showcase, considering potential first-party titles like Marvel's Wolverine and rumored God of War entries, alongside third-party releases aiming to avoid Grand Theft Auto 6's November launch. It also touches on the possibility of early PlayStation 6 mentions, though deems it unlikely for this particular event.
I worry the PS6 is going to be cancelled and the games industry with it - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses concern that the PlayStation 6 might be delayed or even cancelled due to rising costs and potential memory shortages, impacting the future of the games industry. The author notes that similar concerns exist for Microsoft's next-gen console and Nintendo's price increases, suggesting a potential 'death cycle' for the industry where only a few companies and games remain.
Xbox plans to share more on its next console, Project Helix, 'later this year'
Xbox VP of next generation Jason Ronald confirmed that more details about the upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, will be revealed later this year. Early hardware is expected to ship to developers in early 2027, suggesting a potential consumer release within the next couple of years. This announcement follows the discontinuation of Copilot for Xbox and abandonment of Xbox mobile app functionality.
Xbox Showcase Today Promises The Introduction of Project Helix
Microsoft's Xbox Game Dev Update showcase will reveal new details about Project Helix, the codename for their next-generation console. The event will feature Xbox General Manager Chris Charla and Vice President of Next Generation Jason Ronald, highlighting features like PC game compatibility and AMD SoC integration. The showcase will also cover Xbox Developer Tools, DirectX's DirectStorage, and new Xbox Marketplace UI features.
Xbox will "offer a closer look at Project Helix", the successor to its Series X/S consoles, later today
Microsoft will host its first Xbox Game Dev Update to reveal "Project Helix," the successor to its Xbox Series X/S consoles. General manager Chris Charla and VP Jason Ronald will present details on the custom AMD-based SoC, co-designed for next-generation DirectX, which aims to improve developer workflows and performance. While primarily aimed at developers, the presentation is expected to offer insights into the future of Xbox and PC gaming.
Xbox boss reveals what the next gen Project Helix will sound like
Xbox head Asha Sharma has revealed the new boot-up animation and sound for Xbox consoles, which will also be featured on the upcoming next-generation console codenamed Project Helix, expected in 2027. This branding update is part of a larger effort to revitalize the Xbox brand, with fans responding positively to the changes. The article also touches on the potential for improved backwards compatibility for older titles on the new hardware.
Xbox to introduce Project Helix today in brand new showcase, and it's all eyes on Diamond
Microsoft is hosting its first Xbox Game Dev Update showcase to formally introduce its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix. The showcase will feature updates on Project Helix, which is co-designed with AMD for DirectX and FSR Diamond technology. General manager Chris Charla and VP Jason Ronald will present the information on the Game Dev Update YouTube channel.
Next-Gen Xbox Project Helix Won't Get Much New Info In Today's Event, Exec Says
Xbox executive Jason Ronald confirmed that more details about the next-generation hybrid device, codenamed Project Helix, will be revealed later this year, potentially during the Xbox Games Showcase in June. An upcoming Xbox Game Dev Update event will recap GDC announcements for developers, focusing on how Project Helix, powered by a custom AMD SoC and next-gen DirectX, will benefit them. While developer systems are slated to ship in 2027, Microsoft has not yet announced a consumer launch timeline due to factors like AI-fueled memory and chip shortages impacting pricing and availability.
Project Helix Will Receive a “Closer Look” Next Week
Microsoft will host an Xbox Game Dev Update on May 7 to provide a closer look at Project Helix, a next-generation console designed to play Xbox console and PC games. The console will feature a custom AMD chip with enhanced ray tracing capabilities and is expected to ship Alpha test kits to developers in 2027. Additionally, Xbox Mode will be integrated into Windows 11 in April, offering a controller-optimized experience.
Project Helix Will Receive a “Closer Look” on May 7th in First Xbox Game Dev Update
Microsoft's Xbox division will provide a closer look at Project Helix during its first Xbox Game Dev Update on May 7th, hosted by Chris Charla and Jason Ronald. While not a full reveal, the update is expected to discuss details from GDC, including development kits shipping in 2027, and potential new opportunities for game development. Rumors suggest Project Helix is targeting a 2027 holiday season launch to compete with Sony's PlayStation 6.
PS5’s New DRM For Digital Copies of Games Need a One-Time Online Check, Says Sony
Sony has clarified its new DRM policy for digital games on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, stating that a one-time online check is required after purchase to grant a perpetual license. This system, which was initially perceived as a 30-day timer, aims to ensure license validation. The article also touches upon Sony's testing of dynamic pricing for digital titles like Stellar Blade and rumors surrounding the PlayStation 6's performance capabilities.
"Memory costs will impact pricing, and will impact availability" of Xbox's Project Helix console, Asha…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that RAM shortages will impact the pricing and availability of Microsoft's upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix. This comes as the industry anticipates higher costs for next-generation hardware, with some analysts predicting a 50% increase over the previous generation and memory crisis potentially lasting until 2028.
Project Helix Pricing, Availability Will be Impacted by Memory Shortages, Says Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that ongoing memory shortages will impact the pricing and availability of the upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix. Development kits for Project Helix will be distributed next year, with Microsoft aiming for a unified development approach across console, PC, and cloud platforms. The company recently rebranded its Microsoft Gaming division to Xbox.