Why I’m Skipping the PS6: Rising Console Prices and Gaming Fatigue Changed My Mind

I bought my PlayStation 5 the moment pre-orders opened in 2020. At the time, I didn’t think twice—it felt like the natural next step for someone who had spent years immersed in console gaming. But fast forward to today, and I’m no longer convinced I’ll be doing the same when the PlayStation 6 arrives.

And honestly, that says a lot.

The Price Problem No One Expected

Back in 2020, I paid £450 for the standard PS5 with a disc drive. It wasn’t cheap, but it felt reasonable for a brand-new console generation. What’s surprising, though, is what happened next: instead of dropping over time like most hardware, the PS5 actually became more expensive.

Today, that same console can cost significantly more, hovering around $650/£570. That’s a sharp contrast to older systems like the PlayStation 4, which became more affordable as the years went on.

This shift raises an uncomfortable question: if consoles are no longer the budget-friendly option, what’s their real advantage?

Console vs PC: The Value Debate

For years, consoles had one clear edge—they were the most cost-effective way to enjoy high-quality gaming. That’s why I stuck with them for so long, even as PC gaming tempted me from the sidelines.

Of course, PC gaming isn’t exactly cheap either. High-end components like modern GPUs can easily cost more than an entire console. But here’s the difference: a PC does more than just play games. It’s a multipurpose machine—work, communication, creativity, and gaming all in one.

When you’re spending hundreds of dollars on a dedicated gaming box plus $60–$70 per game, it starts to feel harder to justify.

The PS6 Might Be Even More Expensive

There are already reports suggesting that the PS6 could be delayed until around 2028 or later, partly due to increasing demand for memory driven by AI technologies. That delay might help some players save money—but it also hints at something else: higher launch prices.

If the PS5 is already this expensive years after release, it’s not unrealistic to expect the next console to push even further, potentially hitting $800 or more.

At that point, the “console is cheaper” argument starts to fall apart.

Fewer PC Ports, More Exclusivity

Another major shift is Sony’s changing strategy around PC releases. Previously, we saw major titles gradually make their way to PC, giving players more flexibility.

Now, that approach appears to be reversing. Upcoming titles like Ghost of Yōtei may remain locked to consoles, reinforcing the traditional “buy the hardware to play the game” model.

While exclusives used to be a major selling point, they’re no longer enough to convince everyone—especially players who have already built a capable PC setup.

Burnout From Big-Budget Games

There’s also a more personal reason behind my hesitation: I’m simply tired of massive, never-ending AAA games.

Modern console titles often focus on huge open worlds, long playtimes, and endless replayability. While that sounds great on paper, it can lead to burnout. Not every player wants a 100-hour commitment.

Instead, I’ve found myself enjoying smaller, focused experiences—games that respect your time and deliver something memorable without dragging on. Titles like Home Safety Hotline, Perfect Tides, and Ambrosia Sky: Act One offer exactly that—and often at a fraction of the price.

Even bigger games like Resident Evil Requiem work well because they’re shorter and replayable, rather than overwhelming.

Nintendo Still Gets It Right

Interestingly, the only company that seems to still understand the balance between price, innovation, and fun is Nintendo.

The Nintendo Switch 2 may not compete with high-end PCs in raw power, but it offers something unique: flexibility. Its hybrid design allows players to seamlessly switch between handheld and docked play, something PCs still struggle to replicate smoothly.

On top of that, Nintendo’s games continue to deliver engaging experiences without relying solely on scale or realism.

So… Is the PS6 Worth It?

Right now, I’m not convinced.

Between rising console prices, expensive games, fewer PC ports, and growing fatigue with blockbuster titles, the appeal just isn’t as strong as it once was. While the PS6 will likely offer impressive hardware, that alone may not be enough.

For the first time in years, I’m looking beyond PlayStation—and realizing I might not need the next console at all.