PlayStation 5 lifespan quietly confirmed, mark your calendars

PlayStation has just confirmed the lifespan of the PS5, ahead of development on future consoles.

Despite issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and the global chip shortage, the PS5 was a hit with players when it was released in 2020.

Although the stock shortages meant many of us couldn’t get our hands on a new console for a while, the platform has been able to sell around 75 million units in the four years since launch.

This was followed up by the PlayStation 5 Slim and Pro models, which were released in 2023 and 2024 respectively, and added additional features and enhancements for users.

Last year, an interview with Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Platform Business Group at Sony Interactive Entertainment, revealed the PS5’s lifespan in comparison to the previous console.

“We think that the PS5 will be around for a long time, just like the PS4,” Nishino told Famitsu. “However, I don't think it's right to delay the release of the next product that incorporates new technology because it will be around for a long time."

“The timing of introducing new hardware is related to the timeline of technological evolution and the timeline for us to implement it. Therefore, I think it is important to provide new things while playing the ones that are currently in operation, and to expand in total.”

Nishino then went on to confirm that the company wants people to be able to use the PS5 for a long time.

“For example, PS4 has been automated since the middle of production, and the quality of the hardware is high. That's why you can use it for a long time," Nishino continued.

“Of course, PS5 has been automated from the beginning. From now on, we want to spread it by combining things that can be used for a long time and bring new technology with new technology.”

Considering these comments, it’s good to hear that we’ll still be able to use our PS5s for years to come, even after the PS6 approaches release.

And it also sounds like Sony is continuing with cross-generation support, so those who don’t wish to upgrade as a new generation launches don’t have to.