Current RAM Prices Could Delay Next-Gen Consoles

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The release of the next PlayStation and Xbox consoles might be delayed because of a shortage of RAM. Although PC gamers have been most affected by this shortage – which is driven by the increasing demand for AI technology – console prices are also rising, and now PlayStation and Xbox are reportedly considering pushing back the launch of their new consoles until the situation improves.

The problem started in October 2025 when two leading RAM makers decided to dedicate a large portion of their production to expanding an OpenAI data center. This limited supply caused some RAM prices for consumers to more than triple, and the situation has only gotten worse. Now, more and more memory manufacturers are prioritizing the fast-growing AI industry over consumer and gaming needs, which could soon affect console makers as well.

Xbox and PlayStation Could Delay Next-Gen Consoles to Wait Out the RAM Shortage

A recent report from Insider Gaming suggests that Sony and Microsoft are considering postponing the release of their next-generation consoles due to a shortage of RAM. While consoles use a specific type of memory, they still rely on the same manufacturers as PCs, and those manufacturers are currently prioritizing RAM for growing AI applications. This increased demand could lead to production problems or higher costs for consoles like the next Xbox and PlayStation 6, which are currently planned to launch around 2027. If the RAM shortage persists, a delay might be necessary to keep console prices reasonable.

A new report from Micron suggests the current shortage of RAM chips could continue past 2026. This is because building the specialized, ultra-clean facilities needed to make more memory takes time. If the shortage persists, it could affect the launch of the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, potentially around early 2027 as currently speculated. While consoles typically offset their initial price with profits from game sales, high RAM costs might make that strategy insufficient, especially given the already anticipated expense of manufacturing the next generation of consoles. Sony and Microsoft could avoid raising prices for consumers by delaying production until the RAM supply stabilizes.

Image via G.Skill

Console makers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have often increased prices to cover their costs. However, repeating this strategy now might not be wise. Despite strong sales of the Switch 2, video game hardware sales plummeted to a 30-year low in November 2025. With consumers already spending less and gaming prices generally rising, raising console prices again could further discourage purchases and significantly harm sales for both Xbox and PlayStation. It might be better to wait until they can offer consoles at a more affordable price.

Image via PlayStation

So far, Sony and Microsoft haven’t said anything about how rising RAM costs might impact their plans for new consoles. But a delay in releasing those consoles seems likely, or we could see prices go up if they don’t delay. While that’s concerning, a longer lifespan for current consoles isn’t necessarily bad – it depends on how the industry adapts. Right now, it’s hard to predict what will happen, and the future looks uncertain for the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, especially with RAM prices continuing to climb.

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2025-12-29 20:04