Should I Skip PS5 and Wait for PS6?

As a seasoned business and gaming industry analyst, my verdict is no, you should not skip the PlayStation 5. Buying a PS5 now is the smartest move to fully enjoy this console generation.

The PS5 is a monumental technical leap over previous consoles, with an amazing library of exclusives. Supply issues are fading, and its advanced hardware should keep it relevant through the end of the decade. While new models like the PS5 Pro will offer incremental improvements, you would miss out on years of groundbreaking gaming experiences just to wait for the PS6.

Let‘s dive into the data and market forces that shaped my recommendation. I‘ll also share some pro tips for maximizing your PS5‘s value if you buy one.

PS5‘s Dominant Market Position

As an industry analyst, I closely track console sales and market share. The PS5 has already sold over 30 million units despite shortages, outpacing the PS4‘s launch years. It consistently ranks as the #1 best selling console month after month, even surpassing the Nintendo Switch in key regions like the UK.

The PS5‘s main rival, the Xbox Series X/S, sells at a fraction of the volume. The PS5 enjoys Sony‘s strong exclusive games and brand power. Based on its sales trajectory, the PS5 could eclipse the PS4‘s 117 million units sold. Clearly, PlayStation dominates the 9th console generation.

PS5 vs. Top Platforms Lifetime Sales:

The data shows Sony consoles dominate each generation. The PS5 is already on track to potentially become Sony‘s best-selling console ever.

PS5‘s Hardware Will Keep It Relevant

As a tech analyst, I was blown away by the PS5‘s specs when it was first revealed. It represents a massive generational leap akin to the transition from standard to high definition graphics.

Its Zen 2 CPU achieves over twice the performance of the PS4‘s underpowered Jaguar cores. The PS5‘s RDNA 2 integrated GPU achieves 10.28 TFLOPS – nearly 5X the PS4‘s graphics power.

Combined with its ultra-fast custom SSD, these specs enable true next-gen gaming experiences. The PS5 can render expansive open worlds with immersive effects like ray tracing at up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS. The SSD‘s 5.5GB/s throughput virtually eliminates loading times.

Developers have only begun tapping the PS5‘s potential. Launch games like Demon‘s Souls and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart demonstrate the console‘s transformative capabilities. With further optimization, future PS5 exclusives will boast visuals and scope rivaling top gaming PCs.

The PlayStation 5 is future-proofed to deliver cutting-edge gaming throughout the 2020s based on its hardware alone. Buying one now means enjoying experiences simply not possible on outdated consoles. The PS5‘s ssd, CPU, and gpu represent elite hardware that closes the gap with high-end gaming PCs. You would miss out on the fruits of this technological leap by waiting years for the ps6.

PS5‘s Long Relevance Versus Short Generational Transitions

Previous PlayStation generations show consoles remain relevant for 5-7 years before their successor arrives. Based on both historical cycles and leaked details, expectations are the PlayStation 6 won‘t launch until October 2027 at the very earliest.

Here‘s how long each PlayStation console remained the flagship model before being replaced:

• Original PlayStation – 6 years until PS2 (1994 to 2000)
• PS2 – 6 years until PS3 (2000 to 2006)
• PS3 – 7 years until PS4 (2006 to 2013)
• PS4 – 7 years until PS5 (2013 to 2020)

The PlayStation 6 is at minimum 3+ years away in 2027, possibly even later into 2028. That‘s a long generational gap versus the typical 5-7 year transition that Sony has maintained for over 25 years.

Now consider – each console generation lasts around 5-7 years. But the transitional period when the new console replaces the old only spans 1-2 years.

That means buying a PS5 now should grant you 5+ years of exclusive must-play experiences before PS6 arrives. Skipping the PS5 entirely for its successor would mean missing the majority of this console generation.

PS5 Pro & Slim – Wait for the 6, Not Incremental Upgrades

Sony will likely release minor PS5 upgrades like a more powerful Pro model and slimmer chassis. Based on reports, the PS5 Pro may launch in late 2023/2024 with upgraded specs for better graphics, performance, and 8K. A PS5 Slim could also arrive by September 2023.

But as an industry analyst, I don‘t recommend waiting multiple extra years just for these incremental upgrades. Here‘s why:

• The PS5 Pro will only offer minor performance gains, while costing significantly more at launch.
• The PS5 Slim will sacrifice little besides a disc drive – the same performance in a smaller chassis.
• You would miss out on years of amazing PS5 gaming experiences and exclusives just for modest enhancements.
• Games will still be cross-compatible with original PS5 models, so you won‘t miss out on software support.

My advice is to jump into the PlayStation 5 generation now. Enjoy the console‘s first 5-6 years while its library and community are thriving. Waiting on spec bumps like the PS5 Pro is only recommended for your second PS5 purchase down the road.

Shortages Fading – The Time is Now for PS5

Since launch, acquiring a PS5 has been difficult due to supply chain issues combined with massive demand. Sony expects production to keep improving throughout 2023. Based on sales data, PS5 restocks are already getting easier to purchase.

Monthly sales numbers shows the supply picture is brightening:

• January 2022 – PS5 sold 319,000 units in the US
• January 2023 – PS5 sold 409,000 units in the US

This 28% year-over-year jump demonstrates supply is opening up. While you still need to be diligent, your chances of securing a PS5 are higher than ever. Waiting risks extended shortages coming back as the economy declines.

My advice – purchase the PS5 once you find it in stock for MSRP. Take advantage of improving supply now rather than gambling on unknown conditions in 3-5 years. Improving manufacturing should make PS5 readily available by late 2023.

Sony‘s Exclusives Remain Dominant

As a gaming industry analyst, I believe PlayStation‘s world-class exclusives give it an unrivaled competitive edge. Franchises like God of War, Spider-Man, Uncharted, and The Last of Us have defined console gaming for a decade.

The PS5 already has a stellar library of exclusives, including:

• Demon‘s Souls – Stunning PS5 remake of the seminal dark fantasy RPG.
• Returnal – Critically acclaimed 3rd person shooter with roguelike elements.
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – Vibrant, interdimensional adventure platformer.

That‘s just a sample of the PS5‘s early exclusives. The future lineup is extremely promising. God of War: Ragnarok, Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy XVI, and other heavy hitters are slated for 2024 and beyond.

Sony continues investing in elite first party studios like Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studio, Insomniac, and more. The PS5 gives you exclusive access to their landmark franchises and technical prowess. If you value PlayStation‘s unmatched exclusives, buying a PS5 ensures you can play the latest entries.

PS5 Delivers Next-Gen Gaming Now

The PlayStation 5‘s cutting-edge specs enable gaming experiences simply not possible on PS4 and Xbox One. As an industry analyst, I believe the PS5 definitively marks the start of next-gen gaming.

• Jaw-dropping photorealistic graphics at up to 4K/120 FPS.
• Immersive special effects like hardware accelerated ray tracing.
• Intricately detailed game worlds rendered with millions of objects.
• Faster open world streaming thanks to the SSD‘s near-instant load times.
• More lifelike haptics and tension from the DualSense controller.

These technological leaps let developers realize their creative visions to a degree unseen in previous generations. If you want to experience the cutting edge of console gaming, the PS5 is your only option for the next 5+ years. Waiting means you‘ll miss out on the defining gaming experiences of the 2020s.

As both a business analyst and passionate gamer, I highly recommend purchasing a PS5 now based on Sony‘s market dominance, the console‘s impressive capabilities and upcoming exclusives, and shortening supply issues. The PlayStation 6 is still distant. Don‘t miss this extraordinary console generation – the PS5 delivers next-gen gaming that redefines expectations today.