Owning a console might soon be a thing of the past. The next PlayStation and Xbox might go subscription-based

Owning is reportedly a thing of the past. Next week, Apple is launching the Apple Upgrade program, through which Americans can lease an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch for 24 to 36 months from the fintech company Klarna – with the option to pay off the device, return it, or exchange it for a newer one. And respected leaker Kepler_L2 added a prediction on X that will raise every gamer’s eyebrows: “I definitely expect Sony and Microsoft to do the same for next-gen consoles.”

Why it makes business sense

There’s logic to it. Microsoft is already exploring alternative payment models for the Xbox Series S and X, and its next console, codenamed Helix, expected in 2027, could reportedly climb up to a thousand dollars. Sony, on the other hand, needs to sell millions of PlayStation 6 units, and a low monthly payment is psychologically more palatable than a one-time hit to the budget – especially at a time when hardware prices are driven up by a global memory shortage. Leasing instead of selling would help both companies maintain volumes even with more expensive components.

The Catch Called Ownership

However, from a gamer’s perspective, leasing has one fundamental flaw: the console never truly belongs to you. You pay for the right to use it according to the manufacturer’s terms – and they could theoretically revoke your access, even if you’ve already sent hundreds of dollars. In the gaming world, where the disappearance of digital titles from libraries has been a hot topic in recent years, this would be another step in the same direction. But let’s emphasize what’s important: this is not a leak, just an estimate from one leaker. Neither Sony nor Microsoft has announced any hardware subscription, and they might well stick to traditional sales.

Would you lease a console for a few hundred a month, or is ownership untouchable?

Source: Notebookcheck, Kepler_L2 (X), TechCrunch