Analysts predict that the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox console will cost $1,000

Following yet another PlayStation 5 price hike, GamesRadar+ surveyed gaming industry experts, and their forecast was bleak: at launch, the PS6 and Xbox Project Helix could cost as much as $999.

The trigger for such predictions was Sony’s latest price increase. The company officially announced that starting April 2, 2026, the price of the PS5 in the US will rise to $649.99, the PS5 Digital Edition to $599.99, and the PS5 Pro all the way to $899.99. Sony said the decision was driven by “continued pressure in the global economy.”

According to New York University professor Joost van Dreunen, the main reasons behind the price hikes are US government policy and a shortage of RAM: “The relentless attempts by the US administration to undermine the global economy are producing exactly the outcome everyone expected. As far back as 2024, console makers made it clear that any tariffs would have a significant impact on pricing.”

Kantan Games CEO Serkan Toto believes the current PlayStation 5 price increase is a kind of preparation by Sony for a much more significant rise in console prices in the future: “This strategy also gives them some room to lower prices and offer ‘discounts’ if the situation unexpectedly improves.”

At the same time, Circana analyst Mat Piscatella notes that the market is so unstable right now that it is extremely difficult to make any remotely reliable forecast: “Could we see prices of $1,000 and above? Sure, that is possible. I would really hate to see it, but it is possible. Could it happen in 2027? Maybe. Could it happen in 2028? Absolutely. Later? Why not. I do not think current market conditions allow anyone to speak with any real confidence about the hardware market.”

Earlier, we wrote about the changes at Microsoft. In February, Microsoft announced Phil Spencer’s departure, and Asha Sharma became the new head of Microsoft Gaming. Almost immediately, the company began promoting the new Project Helix console, which the new executive has promised to make a benchmark for developers and players alike.

Would you buy a PlayStation 6 for $1,000?