4 months ago
Talha Sonmez
Ongoing price increases in RAM, driven by the rapid rise of AI, could have significant implications for the future of console gaming, potentially delaying the next generation of hardware and pushing prices higher across the board.
Insider Gaming first discussed the situation during the December 19 episode of Insider Gaming Weekly, where it was revealed that high-level discussions are already taking place about how RAM availability could impact the next generation of consoles. According to what Insider Gaming has heard, the concern isn’t limited to future hardware. The entire industry is watching RAM supply closely and questioning whether consoles can continue to be mass-produced at a competitive price point.
The issue stems from a sharp increase in RAM prices over the past few months, with some modules reportedly rising by several hundred percent. Much of that increase is driven by the explosive demand for AI-related hardware, a trend that shows no sign of slowing. As AI companies continue to consume large amounts of memory, RAM availability risks becoming a long-term bottleneck rather than a short-term disruption.
That pressure is placing console manufacturers in a difficult position. Traditionally, consoles have launched at slim margins or even at a loss, with platform holders relying on software and services to recoup costs over time. However, with RAM prices climbing and remaining volatile, that model is becoming harder to sustain. Industry sources suggest that next-generation consoles were already expected to be more expensive than previous generations, and sustained RAM shortages could push prices into territory that many consumers may find hard to justify.
The concern doesn’t stop with future hardware either. Insider Gaming understands that rising component costs could lead to additional price increases for current-generation consoles as early as 2026. If RAM pricing fails to stabilise, manufacturers may have little choice but to pass those costs on to consumers.
As a result, console makers are reportedly debating whether to delay the next generation entirely. The current thinking, according to Insider Gaming, is that pushing releases beyond the tentative 2027–2028 window could give RAM manufacturers time to expand production capacity. Increased supply would ideally ease prices, making next-gen consoles more viable at launch.
Whether delays actually happen remains to be seen, but the broader outlook is clear. With AI demand reshaping the semiconductor market, the next few years could bring higher console prices, tougher production decisions, and a longer wait for the next leap in gaming hardware.