Gaming Just Got Pricier: RAM Shortage Pushing Console Costs Sky High Until 2028?
Khabardaar, gamers! If you’ve felt your wallet getting lighter lately when eyeing new gaming gear, you’re not alone. Gaming is quickly becoming a much more expensive hobby, and it seems like this trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. We’re talking about a perfect storm of economic woes, global tariffs, and a massive demand for memory chips driven by the AI boom, all pushing hardware prices through the roof.
Just look at the recent headlines: the Nintendo Switch 2 saw its price jump by $50 (approx. Rs 13,900), the premium PS5 Pro shot up to a hefty $900 (approx. Rs 250,200), Valve’s Steam Machine lineup now starts at $104 (approx. Rs 28,910)9, and just recently, even Xbox consoles got a price bump of $100 (approx. Rs 27,800) to $150 (approx. Rs 41,700), depending on the model. And if you thought building a custom gaming PC was a way out, think again. RAM, a crucial component, is outrageously expensive, making DIY builds a costly affair too.
The really worrying news comes from none other than Micron’s CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra. Micron is a giant in the memory chip industry, and Mehrotra’s outlook isn’t exactly optimistic. He told investors that these “tight conditions” for memory supply are expected to continue “beyond calendar 2027.” Why? Because AI-driven demand across all sectors is just massive, and the supply simply can’t keep up. He even added that they “currently do not have line of sight as to when memory supply will be able to catch up with increasing demand,” even as supply improves gradually in 2028. Ouch!
So, what does this mean for our beloved future consoles, like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox (Project Helix)? Analysts are predicting that these next-gen machines could launch with price tags 50% higher than current models. We’re talking about base models potentially hitting the $100 (approx. Rs 27,800)0 mark or even more! That’s a serious dent in anyone’s gaming budget.
There’s a glimmer of hope, though it comes with a catch. Sony and Microsoft might decide to play the waiting game. Instead of launching super expensive consoles right into this “RAMpocalypse,” they could delay the next generation until the component shortages ease and prices stabilize. This could potentially push the PS6 and next Xbox launches well into the 2030s. In fact, rumors are already swirling that Sony is internally considering such a delay for its next PlayStation.
Adding to the industry’s woes, there’s also news that Xbox studios are bracing for a “reset,” with developers from Compulsion Games (known for South of Midnight) reportedly looking for new opportunities. It’s a challenging time all around for the gaming world, and we’ll keep you updated on how these developments impact our local gaming scene.
Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.