The upcoming PlayStation 6 is expected to include 24 GB of RAM, a significant upgrade from the 16 GB RAM in both the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Pro, according to recent discussions by tech experts at Digital Foundry. However, the experts believe Sony is unlikely to go far beyond that due to practical and financial considerations.
During Digital Foundry’s weekly podcast, the team explained that 24 GB of RAM seems like the logical next step for Sony’s new console. This increase would support advanced ray tracing and machine learning features, areas Sony has teased as part of PlayStation’s future.
The experts also pointed out that while more RAM is helpful, gaming is currently facing limits in texture and art asset development, making 24 GB a balanced choice rather than an excessive one.
Cost is another major factor. The price of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) has remained high, and Sony is likely focused on keeping console production costs manageable for mass-market sales.
Another reason for the 24 GB target is the rumored new PlayStation handheld console, which is expected to launch alongside the PlayStation 6. Reports suggest this handheld will be capable of running PlayStation 5 games natively and could feature 16 GB of RAM. Matching future console game development to both devices would be easier if the home system carries 24 GB, allowing developers to optimize for both platforms without major compromises.
What About the Next Xbox?
Predictions for Microsoft’s next console are less clear. Digital Foundry speculated that Microsoft may not directly compete with the PlayStation 6 in the traditional console market. Instead, the company might launch a “PC-in-a-box” style system, blurring the lines between consoles and pre-built gaming PCs.
Past studies at Microsoft have explored this possibility, but the high costs of such a system have made it a difficult option for the mainstream console market. However, in the pre-built PC space, where there is more room for high-end pricing, Microsoft could still release a powerful machine with more RAM and a larger APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) than Sony’s next-generation console.
What’s Next?
Sony is expected to unveil the PlayStation 6 within the next few years, though no official release date has been announced. Gamers and industry insiders are also watching for news about the rumored PlayStation handheld, which could redefine how portable consoles handle modern AAA games.
