Yoshida: AI-driven memory costs push Sony and Nintendo to delay next-gen hardware
Summary
Former PlayStation Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida argues Sony and Nintendo should extend the PS5 and Switch 2 generations instead of rushing next-gen hardware to market.
He ties the case to rising component costs, including AI data-center demand for memory, rather than to consumer or developer demand for more processing power.
The PS5 with disc drive has risen from $500 at launch to $650 today, and Switch 2 has risen from $450 to $500 in its first year, evidence Yoshida cites for the cost pressure.
"And I think they should try to keep the current generation as long as possible, because I think people are very happy using PS5 and Switch 2."
01
Yoshida ties hardware timing to cost, not demand
Sony and Nintendo have sold enough current-gen units that component cost should decide next-gen timing.
Neither players nor developers are requesting more powerful hardware.
Yoshida delayed replacing his five-year-old gaming PC after a price spike.
He expects console owners to behave the same way.
"People have finite budget, and it feels like PC and consoles, the components very specific to these devices have increased the price way more than all the other forms of entertainment."
02
AI data center demand drives memory cost increases
AI data centers are consuming memory supply, tightening availability for consumer hardware.
PS5 digital edition rose from $400 to $600 since 2020, a $200 increase.
PS5 disc version rose $150 over the same period.
PS5 Pro launched at $700 and now sells for $900.
A PS6 priced under $1,000 is difficult to picture given this trajectory.
03
Xbox's next-gen push tests Yoshida's cost argument
Xbox is advancing Project Helix despite the same rising component costs.
Yoshida floated a subscription above $50 a month for a $1,000-plus device bundled with services.
Xbox Series X/S trails PS5 in sales, motivating Microsoft to reshape its ecosystem.
"Xbox is a team who wants to change the competing landscape, so it's going to be hard for them, but it's their time to play."
What this means
For Publishers & Developers: Extend PS5 and Switch 2 roadmaps, moving planned next-gen launch titles onto current hardware.
For Investors & VC: Push console-cycle upgrade catalysts later in valuation models for hardware-dependent studios.
For Service Vendors: Pitch performance optimization and Switch 2 porting to studios shipping on current-gen specs for longer.
Events
Companies
Games
—
Locations
—
COMPILED BY GAMES ATLAS EDITORIAL
RELATED ARTICLES
EXPLORE MORE
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!