DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2026
★ SPECIAL PRINT EDITION ★
SECTION: GAMING
Shawn Layden Sceptical About Next-Gen Consoles Price Hike

Shawn Layden Sceptical About Next-Gen Consoles Price Hike

Oct 04, 2026 - 20:56
Fans might not "pull out $1,000" for PS6 and Project Helix, says ex-PlayStation boss
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Key Highlights

  • Shawn Layden expresses skepticism about the price of next-gen consoles.
  • Layden believes that a $1,000 price tag might not be enough to move units.
  • Layden thinks that subscription services make it harder for developers to turn a profit.

PlayStation's former boss Shawn Layden has expressed skepticism about the price of next-gen consoles. Officials stated that a $1,000 tag might not be enough to move units.

According to Layden, the jump from the PS1 to the PS2 was more significant than the transition from VHS tapes to DVDs, and the current generation of consoles is not providing as noticeable a difference.

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Layden, who is now working for Xbox Project Helix, believes that the focus on increasing ray tracing and teraflops might not be enough to justify the high price point. He also thinks that subscription services like Xbox Game Pass make it harder for developers to turn a profit when launching games on day one.

Contextual Subheading: Layden's Thoughts on Subscription Services

reports suggest that if all we're going to do is increase ray tracing and jump the teraflops. I don't know if that message resonates to the consumer to reach into their pocket and pull out $1,000, Layden said. in an interview with The Expansion Pass podcast.

"Has technology reached some kind of plateau, let's say, where just 'more faster, more colorful' is itself not a goal any longer or not a differentiator?"

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Contextual Subheading: The Impact of Next-Gen Consoles

Sony is considering pushing the PS6 to 2028 or 2029, according to Embracer Group Weekly digests. Layden's comments come as analysts expect that next-generation machines could potentially cost around $1,000.

According to Embracer Group, some analysts believe that Sony is planning to release the PS6 in 2028 or 2029. Layden's skepticism about the price point of next-gen consoles is a significant development in the gaming industry.

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I write about the forces shaping business and the global economy, from startup growth and changing markets to international trade and policy. My work focuses on breaking down complex developments into clear, practical insights and understanding what they could mean for businesses, investors, and the wider economy.

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