PC Costs
Ongoing coverage on PC Costs.
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"Supply has been consistently available" - Acer's CEO says it's "impossible" for the memory shortage to last until 2030, but that average PC prices will still increase by 5-20% by the end of 2026
Acer's CEO Jason Chen believes the current memory shortage will not last until 2030, contradicting many industry projections. However, he predicts PC prices will increase by 5-20% by the end of 2026 due to ongoing demand from AI companies and existing supply contracts, with prices potentially falling in mid-2027.
Woah, here's a tech CEO saying the memory crisis won't be as bad as everyone expects
Acer CEO Jason Chen believes the current memory crisis will not last until 2030, stating that DDR4 and some DDR5 chips are not in short supply. While acknowledging high-speed DDR5 chips are scarce, he suggests PC prices will rise 5-20% through late 2026 before dropping in mid-2027. The article notes conflicting forecasts from other industry leaders and manufacturers.
Could 2027 see the beginning of an end to the PC pricing crisis?
Acer Chairman Jason Chen predicts that PC prices, particularly for lower and mid-tier gaming PCs, may begin to fall in the second half of 2027. This outlook is contingent on a decrease in AI hardware demand and an increase in memory production capacity, which has driven up consumer component prices throughout 2026. However, high-end components like Nvidia's RTX 5090 are expected to remain expensive due to their utility in AI server applications.
As if PCs weren't expensive enough already, Microsoft is reportedly now charging OEMs more for Windows licenses
Microsoft is reportedly increasing Windows licensing fees for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by 7% to 10%, a significant jump from previous single-digit annual increases. This rise in costs for PC makers could eventually lead to higher prices for consumers, despite Microsoft's overall revenue growth.
007 First Light stalls on Switch 2—Bond fans, brace for... | TAG
Several games are experiencing delays, including 007 First Light for Nintendo Switch 2, Borderlands 4, and Disney Dreamlight Valley's update. Meanwhile, rumors suggest a new Star Fox game and a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time could be announced for the Switch 2. In other news, South Korea is distributing free PCs to combat rising costs, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day is undergoing reshoots for more humor. A report indicates a Sony State of Play is planned for April 16, potentially alongside an Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag remake announcement, and Pokémon Champions is receiving bug fixes.
South Korea takes one look at rising PC costs and decides to hand out free PCs to citizens
The South Korean government is implementing measures to combat rising PC and laptop costs for its citizens. These initiatives include market monitoring, expanding support for low-income students to receive hardware, and facilitating the recycling and redistribution of surplus PCs from state agencies. The government also plans to restructure mobile network rate plans to guarantee minimum internet usage for millions of people.
