PS6: Sony Reportedly Planning to Revive 4 Classic Franchises, Insider Claims
For months now, rumors have been swirling around the PS6, hinting at an unexpected strategy from Sony: betting big on nostalgia. Killzone, Ape Escape, Sly Cooper… if the latest leaks are to be believed, PlayStation’s forgotten franchises could all make a comeback at once.
It all started last May, when insider NateTheHate2—well-known and trusted in PlayStation circles—claimed that Sony was “exploring and considering” reviving some of its classic IPs. Since then, the hints have only multiplied. One report mentions a new Killzone being handed to an external studio, while NateTheHate2 teased a fresh Ape Escape on ResetEra this week. Sony hasn’t confirmed any of these projects, and the PS6 release date is still up in the air.
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Killzone: a comeback in the works, but not with Guerrilla Games
The Killzone franchise, born in 2004 on PS2 with ambitions to be PlayStation’s “Halo killer,” has been silent since Killzone: Shadow Fall launched with the PS4 in 2013. Thirteen years of radio silence, and for good reason: Guerrilla Games has since poured all its energy into the Horizon series. According to a recent report from leaker thisiserfan, Sony is actively seeking an external studio to take up the mantle and is open to pitches for a new entry.
An earlier report from September went further, claiming the project had already been greenlit internally. The two sources disagree on how far along development is, but both agree on one thing: Guerrilla Games won’t be at the helm. Polish studio People Can Fly—known for Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgment, and Outriders—is rumored to be in the running, though this lead is the least substantiated. If Sony is still in the pitching phase, a launch alongside the PS6 seems unlikely. But if the green light has already been given, the timing could line up with the console’s debut.
Ape Escape teased by NateTheHate2: Team ASOBI not involved
Last week, NateTheHate2 reignited speculation on ResetEra by replying to an Ape Escape thread with a row of “eyes” emojis—a signal the community instantly took as a subtle confirmation. The insider later clarified in writing, reiterating that Sony is looking to revive its “dormant franchises”, echoing his statements from May.
One key detail: Team ASOBI, the studio behind the hit Astro Bot, reportedly isn’t working on the new Ape Escape. NateTheHate2 also ruled out Bandai Namco, despite their partnership with Sony on other dormant IPs like Patapon and Hot Shots Golf. The developer remains a mystery. The monkey-catching franchise hasn’t seen a mainline entry since the PS2 era, and its possible return fits perfectly with Sony’s calculated nostalgia play.
Sly Cooper, MotorStorm: more franchises in Sony’s sights
Killzone and Ape Escape might just be the tip of the iceberg. Back in May 2026, NateTheHate2 hinted at a much broader strategy when asked about several forgotten IPs, including Sly Cooper and MotorStorm. His response has since become a touchstone in PS6 discussions, laying the groundwork for what looks like a massive revival plan.
There is truth to Sony exploring & considering reviving some of their older, unused IPs.— NateTheHate2 (@NateTheHate2) May 16, 2026
— (@NateTheHate2) date
If this strategy pans out, Sony would be banking on a blend of nostalgia and fresh starts to launch its next console—at a time when the PS6’s price could be a major sticking point for gamers. Pairing familiar names with new IPs like upcoming PlayStation exclusives expected for the PS6 could reassure longtime fans while drawing in newcomers.
But how reliable are these leaks? NateTheHate2 has a solid track record in the PlayStation scene, but the reports on Killzone come from less established sources and even contradict each other. Sony, for its part, hasn’t commented on any of these rumors. Here’s what the various leaks suggest so far:
- Killzone: new entry handed to an external studio, possibly People Can Fly, with development status still unclear
- Ape Escape: in development internally at Sony (not Team ASOBI or Bandai Namco), with no details on gameplay or release window
- Sly Cooper and MotorStorm: mentioned by NateTheHate2 as “being explored,” but no concrete info
- A new Uncharted has also surfaced in recent reports, though it’s not directly tied to the above leaks
The flood of rumors around PlayStation’s dormant franchises paints an exciting, if still speculative, picture. The coming months will be crucial: if Sony really is prepping a nostalgia-fueled lineup for the PS6, a showcase—or a more substantial leak—should reveal just how far this strategy goes.
