Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO John Kodera has admitted that the PlayStation 4 is nearing the end of its life-cycle.

Speaking at a Corporate Strategy Meeting for investors, the company said that PlayStation 4 sales are expected to slow down to 16 million consoles this year – in comparison with sales of 19 million units last year. Which will still be pretty impressive, given that the PlayStation 4’s installed base is now pushing 80 million units (thought to be roughly twice that of the Xbox One, for which Microsoft has not released sales figures).

Sony has already stated that its press conference at this year’s E3 Show, will concentrate solely on games software, scotching speculation that it would announce the PlayStation 5. But since the PlayStation 4 has now been on sale for nearly five years, the company is certain to have reached an advanced stage in the design of its successor, and is likely to reveal that next year.

We’ll keep you informed of any PlayStation 5-related news.