Component Prices
Ongoing coverage on Component Prices.
Latest coverage
Switch 2 price increase isn't because of one reason, explains Nintendo
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa explained that the price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 is due to various market conditions, including surges in memory and component prices, foreign exchange rates, and oil prices. Despite the price hike, Furukawa hopes the console's engaging experiences will justify the cost, and Nintendo plans to release more titles to expand its installed base. The Switch 2 has been Nintendo's fastest-selling hardware to date, though production has reportedly been cut back.
Nintendo Switch 2 Prices Hiked Due to "Changes in Market Conditions"
Nintendo is increasing the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 console to $499.99 in North America, citing "changes in market conditions" and rising component costs. The company is also raising prices for Nintendo Switch Online in Japan, with potential global adjustments to follow. This news comes as industry veterans Takashi Tezuka and Goro Abe are retiring from Nintendo.
Industry insiders say Samsung has confirmed a DRAM price increase of 'over 100%' for its customers, so brace yourself for the next phase of the dreaded RAMpocalypse
Samsung Electronics has confirmed a DRAM price increase of over 100% for its customers in the first quarter, a significant jump from the 70% increase in January. This follows similar price hike announcements from SK Hynix, with manufacturers considering switching to monthly contracts due to high demand, particularly for AI servers. The rising costs are expected to impact end consumers, with potential for further increases in RAM, GPU, and SSD prices.
The Entry-Level PC Will Disappear By 2028 Due To Ongoing RAM Crisis, Firm Predicts
Research firm Gartner predicts the entry-level PC market will vanish by 2028 due to a severe RAM shortage driven by AI data center demand. This shortage is expected to increase PC prices by 17% and smartphone prices by 13% compared to 2025, potentially delaying future console releases like the PlayStation 6.
The OrangePi Neo gaming handheld with Manjaro Linux is now "on ice" due to component prices
The planned release of the OrangePi Neo handheld gaming device, running Manjaro Linux, has been put on hold due to high prices of DDR5 RAM and SSDs, exacerbated by the AI surge. Project Lead Philip Müller confirmed the delay, noting that certifications are complete but a favorable market condition is awaited. This marks another setback for the device, which was already facing delays.
