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Video game console prices will continue to rise until at least 2029 reveals data
Ongoing semiconductor shortages, exacerbated by high demand for AI infrastructure, are expected to continue driving up video game console prices until at least 2028, according to Samsung. This trend, which has already increased the cost of consoles like the Xbox Series S, could lead to future hardware like the PlayStation 6 costing over £1,000 at launch. Suppliers like Samsung are prioritizing AI data centers, further tightening supply for consumer electronics.
Just as I had feared, Switch 2 SD cards have not been spared from the current gaming storage pricing hellscape
The price of MicroSD Express cards for the Nintendo Switch 2 has significantly increased, with 1TB models now costing over $300, a substantial jump from their original MSRPs. This price hike is attributed to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage, which is affecting all types of storage, including those used in gaming consoles. Consumers are advised to purchase storage sooner rather than later due to expected further price increases.
Sony hasn't decided on PS6 release date or price yet, and may even "change business models" in response to the memory crisis
Sony has not yet determined the release date or price for the PlayStation 6 due to rising memory costs and economic factors. President and CEO Hiroki Totoki stated that the company is observing the situation and considering various simulations, including potential changes to business models, to address the impact of increased manufacturing costs.
Nintendo is raising Switch 2 prices as chip crisis bites
Nintendo is reportedly planning to increase the price of its upcoming Switch 2 console due to ongoing issues with the global semiconductor shortage. Despite selling 19.86 million units of the current Switch last year, the company anticipates a decline in sales for the next fiscal year.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price Hike May Happen Amid Investor Pressure – Rumor
Nintendo is reportedly facing investor pressure to increase the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 due to rising manufacturing costs and a global memory shortage. Analysts are divided on whether a price hike is advisable, with some warning of negative impacts on software sales and others believing it's necessary to maintain profitability. The company's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, has previously stated that hardware profitability depends on component procurement, cost reductions, and exchange rates.
PS5 and Switch 2 prices set to rise again as memory chip costs more than double
Rising memory chip costs, driven by high demand from AI data centers, are projected to increase hardware component prices by up to 75%. This trend is expected to lead to price hikes for current and future consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, and potentially delay next-generation hardware releases. Valve has also acknowledged that these shortages have altered its launch plans for its Steam Machine.
AI strikes again as Sony Japan announces it's suspending memory card production
Sony Japan has announced a temporary suspension of orders for its CFexpress Type A, Type B, and SDXC/SDHC memory cards due to a global shortage of semiconductors and other factors. This suspension affects orders from authorized dealers and customers starting March 2026. The company will monitor the supply situation for a potential resumption of orders. This follows recent price increases for PlayStation 5 consoles and the PlayStation Portal due to economic pressures.
Feature: PS5 Price - Why Does It Cost So Much in 2026?
The PlayStation 5's price is increasing significantly in 2026 due to a confluence of factors including the pandemic's impact on supply chains, global inflation, and increased tariffs. Component costs, particularly RAM, have also surged due to high demand from AI companies like OpenAI. These economic pressures are affecting other hardware manufacturers like Nintendo and Valve, and are expected to impact future console generations and development budgets.
Fate of console pricing uncertain after Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs
The US Supreme Court has ruled against tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, potentially impacting video game hardware pricing. Companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo had previously raised prices due to these tariffs, with manufacturing largely based in China. However, ongoing shortages of RAM and hard drives driven by AI data center demand, exacerbated by a deal between OpenAI and Samsung, continue to pose challenges to hardware availability and pricing.
Sony could delay PS6 release to 2028 or 2029 as AI-driven shortage sends consumer tech companies scrambling for memory chips
Sony is reportedly considering delaying the PlayStation 6 release to 2028 or 2029 due to a global memory chip shortage, exacerbated by AI data center demand. This potential delay impacts consumer tech companies and Nintendo is also considering a price increase for its consoles. Despite a decrease in PlayStation 5 hardware unit sales, software revenue reached a record high.
