According to Shuhei Yoshida, a former director of PlayStation Worldwide Studios, both Sony and Nintendo may benefit from keeping their current consoles relevant for as long as possible. In a statement to The Verge, Yoshida suggested that the demand for more powerful hardware is not as strong as some might assume. He argued that console manufacturers should focus on extending the lifespan of their current systems, rather than rushing to release the next generation. Although there is no indication that Nintendo is planning to release a Switch 3 anytime soon—especially since the Switch 2 was launched just last year—the company is still investing heavily in research for future consoles. Future updates to the Switch 2 are likely, following the pattern set by earlier models like the Switch Lite and Switch OLED. On Sony’s side, it is known that a PlayStation 6 is in development. While analysts had previously expected a 2028 release, Sony has not officially confirmed a timeline. Yoshida suggested that the company might aim to delay the launch of the PS6 for as long as possible. Yoshida noted that both Sony and Nintendo have sold a significant number of their current consoles. Given the rising production costs, the companies may choose to keep their current systems on the market longer. He pointed out that many players are happy with their current consoles, such as the PS5 and Switch 2, and may not feel the need to upgrade soon. This is partly due to the increasing prices of both consoles and PCs, which have risen more sharply than other forms of entertainment. A major factor influencing console pricing is the rising cost of memory, often referred to as "RAMageddon" or "RAMpocalypse." This surge has been driven in part by the growth of data centers for artificial intelligence. Memory production is limited, and much of next year’s supply is already reserved. This makes it difficult for companies like Sony to produce new consoles in large quantities or sell them at affordable prices. The PS5, for example, has seen its price increase significantly since its launch in 2020, and it is unlikely the PS6 will be much cheaper. The Switch 2 has also seen a price increase since its release last year. Yoshida added that consumer and developer interest in significantly more powerful machines is limited, with the exception of Microsoft’s Xbox, which is working on a next-generation console called Helix. However, Microsoft has not matched the sales success of Sony and Nintendo in recent years. Yoshida concluded that the current generation of consoles from Sony and Nintendo is likely to remain popular for many years. He acknowledged that Microsoft is trying to change the competitive landscape, but it will be challenging for them to succeed. Regardless, he said it is exciting to see how the situation might evolve in the coming years.