Sony has started sending direct messages to PlayStation 4 owners urging them to upgrade to the PlayStation 5, while analysts suggest the company is planning to extend the PS5’s lifecycle and delay the arrival of the PS6 until after 2028.
The company is encouraging PS4 users to make the jump to its current-generation console by pushing notifications through the older hardware.
These messages, spotted by players in late January, include QR codes linking to PlayStation’s official site and highlight upcoming titles such as SAROS, 007 First Light, and Nioh 3. The strategy is reflecting Sony’s determination to accelerate migration to the PS5, which has sold over 84.2 million units worldwide since its 2020 launch.
However, that figure still lags slightly behind the PS4’s performance at the same stage, which had reached 86.3 million units five years in.
Analysts believe Sony’s push is not just about short-term sales. A report from MST International suggests the company intends to extend the PS5 lifecycle, keeping its current player base engaged while delaying the PS6 beyond 2028.
This would mark a significant shift from previous console cycles, which typically lasted around seven years. The move is likely influenced by strong PS5 game sales and the slower-than-usual migration from PS4, with many players still reluctant to upgrade due to cost or satisfaction with their existing library.
The PS5 has become more widely available after years of supply shortages, and prices have stabilised compared to the inflated resale market of 2021–2022. Therefore, Sony’s direct messaging campaign comes at a moment when upgrading is more feasible. However, some users have expressed irritation at being bombarded with upgrade prompts, especially those not ready to invest in new hardware.
The suggestion that the PS6 won’t arrive until after 2028 aligns with Sony’s broader strategy of maximising the PS5’s relevance through mid-generation refreshes, software innovation, and AI-driven rendering improvements.
This could mean the PS5 remains the flagship console for nearly a decade, echoing the longevity of the PS2, which dominated the market well beyond its initial release window.
For those weighing the upgrade, the PS5 offers significant improvements in performance, faster load times thanks to its SSD, and access to exclusive titles that won’t run on PS4.
