Ex-PlayStation Boss Yoshida: Sony and Nintendo Should Extend Current Generation

Shuhei Yoshida, the former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, believes Sony and Nintendo should maintain their current hardware generations for as long as possible rather than rushing to develop and launch successors.

Speaking on The Verge's Vergecast podcast, Yoshida addressed potential business models and pricing strategies for the next console cycle. He noted that rising production costs make extended support of existing platforms more practical than planned obsolescence.

"Sony and Nintendo have sold enough," Yoshida stated. "Because of the cost of goods, they might be looking at pushing back the launch of next gen, and I think they should try to keep the current generation as long as possible, because I think people are very happy using PS5 and Switch 2."

Yoshida emphasized that consumers face budget constraints, and component prices for gaming devices have risen disproportionately compared to other entertainment options. He argued that owners of PS5, Switch 2, or capable gaming PCs are unlikely to seek upgrades if their current hardware meets their needs.

"People who have systems like PS5, Switch 2, or PCs – you know, good enough PCs – probably will be happy to play games on them and not necessarily consider replacing," he explained. Yoshida shared a personal anecdote, noting he delayed upgrading his own gaming PC due to the price increases. "I think that kind of thinking will happen to many people."

He added that neither consumers nor developers are actively demanding more powerful hardware. "I don't think lots of people are asking for 'more power, we need more power!' Or even developers, I don't think developers are asking, 'We need better hardware!'" This lack of demand, in his view, supports extended support for current systems.

"I think that means that the current generation, Sony and Nintendo are going to do pretty well for many years to come, still," Yoshida concluded.

Yoshida acknowledged that Microsoft faces different circumstances with Xbox. He described the company as "a team who wants to change the competing landscape, so it's going to be hard for them, but it's their time to play. It's very exciting, you know, what's going to happen next year?"

The timing of a potential PS6 remains uncertain. Historically, PlayStation generations have lasted six to seven years, which would typically point to a release around November 2025 when the PS5 turns six. However, extended production costs could shift that timeline significantly.

Yoshida departed Sony after 30 years in 2025 and has since become active on the interview circuit discussing industry topics ranging from hardware strategy to studio decisions.