The PlayStation 5 (PS5) and the latest Xbox series started their journey just two and a half years ago. And by taking a closer look into the new gen consoles, you will notice that there’s a 7 years gap between the predecessors. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the release of the Sony PS6 is not imminent. Well, Microsoft thinks the same.
Additionally, both consoles face supply constraints from time to time. That further solidifies the fact that we are not even halfway through the lifespan of Sony PS6 and Xbox Series X. According to Microsoft’s statement, the “expected starting period” for the next-gen consoles is still five years away.
Expect the Release of Sony PS6 and Next Xbox In 2028, Says Microsoft
In court documents uncovered by IGN, Microsoft said that the starting period for the next-gen consoles is 2028. For those curious, the court documents pertain to an ongoing dispute. Yes, it is about Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The result of this dispute will determine the future of Call of Duty.
Nonetheless, in a specific document, Microsoft has argued that its 10-year commitment will provide continued access to the franchise. Microsoft continued with an assurance that PlayStation gamers would be capable of enjoying the franchise even when the PS6 lands.
Microsoft writes, “This term would, in any case, go beyond the expected starting period of the next generation of consoles (in 2028).” Through this, Microsoft is basically defending itself against the accusations made by Sony. The accusations were about PlayStation losing its user base for not getting Call of Duty on the platform.
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Taking a Closer Look at the Statement Made by Microsoft
The launch date of the PS6 is determined by Sony, not Microsoft. It’s Sony’s creation, and Sony decides when it will debut the next-gen console. Yes, rivals can influence the decision with unfriendly competition. Even so, if Sony does not want to release it in 2028, it won’t.
But it is highly likely that we will see PS6 and the next Xbox launch in 2028. And there are a number of reasons behind it. Let’s take a deeper look into those –
Court Documents
First of all, previous court documents showed that Sony won’t start until after 2027. And recently, the court documents stated that the launch of the next-gen consoles will be in 2028. These two pieces of information perfectly align with each other.
The Lifespan of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
PlayStation 5 and the latest Xbox Series will be around eight years old when we are in 2028. And if you look back, that’s the normal lifespan of each generation of consoles. The PS4 and Xbox One lasted for seven years. Likewise, the Xbox 360 and PS3 lasted for eight and seven years, respectively.
Slow Start of Current Gen Consoles
There’s no denying that the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 did not get the start the manufacturers expected. Due to the pandemic, the supply chains of both consoles were seriously constrained. It has been only a few months since the PS5 is available in regular stores. Before, you would need to fight for it online. The case is pretty much the same for the Xbox.
PlayStation 5 Pro and Upgraded Xbox Series X
Like the last-gen consoles, both Microsoft and Sony have plans to refresh the current-gen consoles. That is, there will be PlayStation 5 Pro and refreshed version of Xbox in the coming years. And they will be around for a while before we get to see the next-gen consoles. So, in short, the current-gen consoles are not getting replaced any time soon.