PS6 release date appears to be much sooner than you'd think following huge leak

It feels like this generation of consoles is only just getting started, but hot off the heels of the PS5 Pro launching late last year, we could be heading for a PS6 release as early as 2027. That's according to Express.co.uk as it reports on a huge double leak from Microsoft that also gives us clues as to what Sony's next move will be.

The report in question hints that the next generation of Xbox console will also launch in 2027. It's also rumoured that Xbox is set to release its own dedicated handheld device later in 2025, akin to Valve's Steam Deck or the Asus ROG Ally.

This is all from Windows Central, which reports that the next generation Xbox console has recently been greenlit by Microsoft executives, with the aim to release it in 2027. Apparently, Microsoft will launch the updated console with new controller options.

With the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One both launching in 2013, and the PS5 and Xbox Series X releasing within a few weeks of each other in 2020, it stands to reason that the PS6 and next-gen Xbox will launch in the same year. This means the PS6 looks almost certain to have a 2027 release date, which is arguably sooner than expected.

Judging by the latest current-gen console sales figures, Microsoft and Sony can't afford to delay the release of their new consoles. Industry analyst Mat Piscatella recently confirmed that PS5 Pro sales are tracking below that of the PS4 Pro during the same period on sale.

In fact, all video game console sales are down year-on-year based on January sales figures. "January video game hardware spending dropped 45% when compared to a year ago, to $205 million," Piscatella posted.

"This is the lowest January total for video game hardware spending since the $131 million reached