The countdown to Grand Theft Auto VI is putting fresh attention on the Sony PS5. With one of the biggest game launches in recent years approaching, questions have surfaced over whether Sony can keep up with hardware demand amid rising memory prices.

Sony, however, isn’t concerned. In its latest earnings statement, the company confirmed it has secured enough memory chips to support its projected PS5 sales for the current fiscal year, easing concerns that component shortages could affect console availability ahead of GTA 6’s launch. 

Sony says PS5 production remains on track.

Memory prices have climbed over the past year as demand for AI hardware continues to reshape the semiconductor market. The trend has raised concerns across the consumer electronics industry, with manufacturers competing for high-performance memory used in servers, smartphones and gaming consoles.

Grand Theft Auto 6 coming on 26 May, 2026 | Image Credit: Rockstar Games

Despite those pressures, Sony says its plans remain unchanged. According to the company, it has already secured the memory required to meet its projected PlayStation 5 sales volume for FY2026. Sony also noted that it expects hardware profitability to remain broadly similar to the previous financial year, suggesting that rising component costs are already factored into its outlook. 

Sony’s FY2026 Outlook	Status
Memory supply	Secured for projected PS5 sales
PS5 production	On schedule
Hardware profitability	Expected to remain similar to FY2025
GTA 6 launch	Seen as a demand catalyst

Sony PS5: GTA 6 could give PS5 another boost

While PlayStation 5 has entered a more mature stage of its lifecycle, analysts believe Grand Theft Auto VI could create another surge in console demand. The highly anticipated title is scheduled to launch on November 19, and industry observers expect many players to choose PS5 as their preferred platform. The release is also expected to support software sales while slowing the natural decline in console hardware demand. 

Sony sold 1.6 million PS5 consoles during the April-June quarter, down from the same period a year ago. Even so, upcoming first-party releases and GTA 6 are expected to keep engagement high through the remainder of the fiscal year. 

Why have memory chips become a bigger concern?

The semiconductor market has shifted rapidly as AI infrastructure expands worldwide. High-bandwidth and advanced memory are now in greater demand for AI servers, putting additional pressure on pricing across the broader electronics industry.  Although Sony has secured enough supply for FY2026, the company acknowledged that memory prices are expected to remain elevated beyond the current financial year. That means future hardware planning could become more challenging if costs continue to rise.

Image source: Rockstar Games

Key factors shaping Sony’s outlook include:

• Stable memory supply for FY2026.
• Higher semiconductor prices driven by AI demand.
• GTA 6 is expected to increase PS5 software and hardware interest.
• Cost controls helping offset component expenses.

Challenge	Sony’s Response
Rising memory prices	Secured supply for FY2026
PS5 demand	Banking on GTA 6 and upcoming releases
Hardware margins	Cost controls and pricing strategy
Long-term supply	Monitoring future semiconductor costs

Gaming business continues to strengthen

Sony’s confidence also comes after reporting a strong first quarter, with operating profit rising 40% year over year. The company raised its full-year earnings forecast, citing strong performance from its gaming and image sensor businesses alongside favourable exchange rates and cost controls.

Image Source: PlayStation

While hardware sales have naturally slowed compared to the PS5’s launch years, Sony believes its gaming ecosystem remains well positioned heading into one of the busiest release schedules of the generation.

Final Thoughts

Sony’s latest update suggests the company is prepared for what could be another busy holiday season. By securing memory supply ahead of GTA 6’s arrival, it has removed one of the biggest uncertainties surrounding PS5 availability, even as AI continues to reshape the semiconductor market. The stage is set for PlayStation.