Are your favorite gaming consoles about to get more expensive or delayed? A surge in demand for memory chips from AI data centers is squeezing console makers like Sony and Nintendo.
Key Points
- Sony may delay the release of the next PlayStation until 2028 or 2029 due to RAM shortages .
- Nintendo is considering raising the price of the Switch 2 console, potentially in 2026 .
The potential price hike and delays stem from increased competition for memory chips, driven by the growth of AI.
One analyst suggests that Sony might pass increased memory costs onto consumers in the fiscal year ending March 2027 .
AI Boom Impacts Gaming
The rising demand for RAM (Random Access Memory, a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly) in AI data centers is creating a ripple effect across the tech industry. Console manufacturers, like Sony and Nintendo, are now feeling the pinch as memory chip supplies tighten and prices increase .
This shortage could disrupt typical console release cycles and pricing strategies. The industry is now reassessing release dates and price points.
PlayStation Delay on the Horizon?
Sony has historically launched a new PlayStation console every six to seven years since the original debuted in 1994 . With the PlayStation 5 having launched in November 2020, a new console would typically be expected before the end of 2027.
However, industry sources suggest Sony is considering pushing back the release of the next PlayStation “to 2028 or even 2029″ due to rising costs and dwindling chip supplies.
Nintendo Weighs Price Hike
Nintendo is also facing challenges. The company is reportedly considering raising the price of its Switch 2 console, which currently retails for $449.99 .
While Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa had previously downplayed the possibility of a price increase, a report indicates that the company is now weighing when to enact a price hike . The increase may happen in 2026 .
What This Means For You
- If you’re planning to buy the next PlayStation, be prepared for a potentially longer wait, with a release possibly delayed to 2028 or 2029 .
- Keep an eye on the price of the Nintendo Switch 2, as it may increase from its current $449.99 retail price .
- Rising memory prices might impact Sony’s costs in the fiscal year ending March 2027, potentially leading to increased console prices for consumers .
- Factor potential price increases into your budget if you’re planning to purchase a new console in the next few years.
