Sony CEO calls memory shortage timing "lucky" following PS5 console price increases
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki stated that the recent memory shortage was 'lucky' for the company, as it occurred during the latter half of the PS5's lifecycle. Sony is shifting its focus from aggressive hardware sales to recurring revenue from its 125 million active PS Plus subscribers.
Why it matters
The strategy highlights a broader industry shift where gaming companies prioritize software and subscription services over hardware volume to mitigate supply chain costs.
ⓘ Sony, Canva AI 30th Anniversary PS5 console shown with dollar signs Despite criticism over PS5 price hikes, Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki is confident in PlayStation’s future. The memory shortage intensified when the company had already secured a large user base. The executive told The Wall Street Journal that he is content to profit from existing console owners. Adam Corsetti , Published 08/21/2026 Business Console Gaming 4 Reviews exclude selected types exclude selected tags Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki isn’t overly concerned about the rising cost of PlayStation consoles . In a new Wall Street Journal interview , he said that the memory shortage arrived at a convenient time. After several PS5 price increases , the company plans to focus on its PS Plus subscribers instead of marketing hardware.
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