Hardware Pricing
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'You've taken us free cash flow negative as a company, so congratulations': Amazon has plenty of Nvidia GPUs, but not enough energy to power its AI boom
Amazon Web Services is facing significant challenges powering its massive Nvidia GPU infrastructure for AI, leading to a substantial drop in free cash flow. Despite accepting billions in hardware monthly, a lack of sufficient energy capacity means much of this investment is currently unusable, impacting the company's financial performance.
Next Xbox console reportedly coming in 2028 and could cost as much as $1,800
Reports suggest the next Xbox console is slated for a 2028 release and may come with a hefty price tag of up to $1,800. This information prompts advice for consumers to start saving or consider alternative hobbies.
Xbox Project Helix console could cost as much as $1,800 and is reportedly set to launch by Christmas 2028
A new report suggests that the next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, is slated for a Christmas 2028 launch and could carry a price tag between $1,200 and $1,800. A handheld device is also reportedly planned for the 2027 holiday season.
The official 512GB Switch 2 SD card is on sale, but you're better off picking up this Samsung model instead
The article recommends against purchasing the officially licensed Super Mario 512GB microSD Express Card for the Nintendo Switch 2, despite its sale price. It suggests opting for a cheaper, technically faster Samsung 512GB model instead, saving users $50 while offering comparable real-world performance.
The PlayStation 6 stands to be ludicrously expensive as its production cost alone reportedly approaches $1000
The production cost for the upcoming PlayStation 6 is reportedly approaching $1000 per unit, suggesting the console will be significantly expensive for consumers. This high manufacturing cost indicates a potentially steep retail price for Sony's next-generation hardware.
A hardware market freeze could transform the industry forever | Opinion
The gaming industry faces a potential long-term transformation due to prohibitively high console and GPU prices, leading to a market re-centering around existing hardware like smartphones and Macs. This shift could permanently alter platform dominance and development priorities, with Sony potentially benefiting from a frozen market while Microsoft struggles, and mobile gaming gaining significant traction.
US console market hasn't been "in a more precarious position since the early 80s," analyst says as PS5 and Xbox Series X price soar to all-time highs
An industry analyst states the US console market is in its most precarious position since the early 1980s due to soaring prices for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, driven by RAM shortages and tariffs. Sales for both Sony and Microsoft have significantly declined year-to-date, reaching all-time lows for Xbox hardware unit sales. While the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI might offer some relief, component availability and pricing remain significant concerns.
Sony should delay PS6 'as long as possible' says former PlayStation boss
Former PlayStation Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida advises Sony to delay the PlayStation 6 launch as long as possible, suggesting players and developers are content with the current PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. He believes extending the current generation is a viable strategy to mitigate rising hardware costs and avoid a difficult sell for a more expensive next-generation console.
Ex-PlayStation lead thinks Sony and Nintendo "should try to keep the current generation as long as possible" amid hardware price hikes: "People are very happy using PS5 and Switch 2"
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida believes Sony and Nintendo should extend their current console generations due to rising hardware costs. He suggests that players are content with existing hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, and that extending the lifecycle would be beneficial given the increased price of components.
"Every major publisher has approached us to review their old Kinect and Wii catalogue" - Nex Playground is spoilt for choice as its international rollout continues
Nex Playground, a family-friendly micro-console, is expanding globally, with Germany being its next major market. The company has sold over a million units and is seeing strong subscription attach rates. Nex Team is actively reviewing older Kinect and Wii titles for potential revival on its platform, alongside new partnerships with Sega and Bandai Namco for Pac-Man and Sonic Forces: Rival Rush.
Yes, the Steam Frame price is (just) over $1k
The Steam Frame VR headset has been priced at $1,059 USD for the base 256GB model, with a 1TB version costing $1,299 USD. This high price point, coupled with the recent increase in gaming hardware costs, positions it as an expensive entry into the VR market. The headset includes Half-Life: Alyx and features advanced technology like foveated rendering, but notably does not ship with a power supply.
Valve's Steam Frame pricing starts at $1,059
Valve has announced the pricing for its new Steam Deck virtual reality device, with the base 256GB model starting at $1,059 and a 1TB model at $1,200. Additional accessories will further increase the cost. This pricing is significantly higher than the Meta Quest, with both companies adjusting hardware costs due to a computer memory shortage driven by AI firms.
Valve targeted a lower price for the Steam Frame, then the memory crisis happened: 'I wish we could have shipped it…
Valve's new Steam Frame VR headset is launching at higher price points than initially intended due to a global memory crisis. Engineers Joy Lyons and Jeremy Selan confirmed Valve aimed for a lower price but component costs, particularly RAM, forced adjustments. The Steam Frame's pricing is significantly higher than competitors like the Meta Quest 3, which also faced price increases.
Valve’s Steam Frame VR headset opens for orders, with the cheapest model priced at a lenswatering £889 / $1,059
Valve has opened orders for its new Steam VR headset, with prices starting at £889 / $1,059 for the 256GB model. The headset is described as a versatile piece of VR kit, capable of playing PC VR titles like Half-Life: Alyx and even some flat Steam games. However, the high price point and ongoing component shortages have impacted its affordability and availability.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Extended Look Caused 33 Percent Jump in PS5, Xbox Series X/S Console Sales
The extended look trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 has reportedly caused a significant jump in PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S console sales in the UK, with some retailers experiencing stock shortages. Despite this surge, analysts caution that rising hardware prices may still be a barrier for consumers, and the long-term impact on overall install base growth might not be as massive as hoped.
Despite horrendous layoffs, obscene hardware prices, and everything else, Saber Interactive exec says 'this is a…
Despite industry-wide challenges like layoffs and high hardware prices, Saber Interactive's Tim Willits believes it's a good time for game development due to accessible platforms like mobile phones and Fortnite. He encourages developers to create games and suggests laid-off talent will be reabsorbed by the industry.
PS6 Handheld Costing $600 is “Definitely Not Possible” Due to LPDDR Price Increases – Rumor
A rumor suggests that a PlayStation 6 handheld console is unlikely to be priced at $600 due to significant price increases in LPDDR memory. The leaker also indicated that the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro are likely sold at or near cost, with potential memory shortages continuing into 2028. Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki has previously stated the company does not plan to sell hardware at substantial losses.
That limited edition green see-through Xbox Series X reportedly costs as much as a PS5 Pro, and releases on Black Friday
A limited edition green translucent Xbox Series X, celebrating Xbox's 25th anniversary, is reportedly set to release on Black Friday for an estimated $899.99, matching the rumored price of the PlayStation 5 Pro. This special edition console features a see-through case and a matching controller. The article also touches upon recent widespread restructuring within the Xbox division, impacting 1600 employees, and ongoing component shortages affecting hardware pricing.
Nintendo has confirmed the Nintendo Switch 2's new UK price — it's only going up by £24
Nintendo has confirmed that the UK price for the Nintendo Switch 2 will increase by £24, rising from £395.99 to £419.99 starting September 1, 2026. This change follows similar price adjustments announced for the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan earlier this year, attributed to market conditions and global supply chain issues impacting hardware manufacturing.
$1,000 Consoles Could Have This Dramatic, Negative Effect On Gaming – Report
An analysis by Ampere Analysis suggests that if next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and Xbox Project Helix launch at a $1,000 price point, sales could be 38% lower in the first five years, costing the market $3.4 billion by 2031. The firm recommends strategies such as delaying launches, subsidizing hardware, or innovating on form factor to avoid such high prices.
