Technology

Kepler estimated in March that the PS6's bill of materials (BOM) was approximately $760, so Sony could have conceivably released the console for $699 and recouped its subsidy after selling two or three games per user. However, Kepler now claims that the bill has since climbed by $200, landing dangerously close to four digits.

Moreover, recent comments from Sony to investors indicate that the company does not intend to absorb the increased costs. Responding to several questions, President and CEO Hideaki Nishino emphasized the company's plan to prioritize profitability over expanding PlayStation's user base.

So they'll be releasing a base PS6 at $1100+, because they want more profitability over 'expanding PlayStation's user base'?

When was the last time PlayStation's user base actually grew by noticeable numbers? During PS4's time?

According to Statista's PlayStation Network MAU the number of users has been dropping throughout all of 2025. Sony claims there was a spike to 132 million users in December, which would make sense. They usually have higher numbers in the holiday season. Still, 132 million in December 2025 is a measly 2% increase compared to December 2024.

Bro is acting like he has all the cards and everybody wants a PlayStation, while the numbers clearly show otherwise. Especially in 2026 so far. PlayStation just had its worst May in 25 years, and this dude thinks he's getting so many new users he can throw them away.

I'd like to say that there's no way this will work for Sony. However, gamers have proven time and time again that they are more than willing to pay insane prices for consoles and games.

I'm guessing this will lead to PS6's sales being even worse than PS5's already poor ones. But PlayStation will probably still earn more money due to more expensive consoles, no physical games, and another PS+ price hike or two.