Supply Chain
Ongoing coverage on Supply Chain.
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PC shipments have actually grown this quarter despite the RAMpocalypse says IDC. Well, everywhere except the Americas
Global PC shipments saw a 2.5% growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong performance in Asia Pacific and EMEA, despite ongoing memory shortages. However, market analysts like IDC and Omdia predict a decline for the rest of the year due to rising component costs, logistical challenges, and deteriorating economic conditions, which are expected to increase PC prices for consumers.
The Most Expensive PC Gaming Handheld Just Got A $650 Price Increase
Lenovo has reportedly canceled some preorders for the Lenovo Legion Go handheld PC due to demand substantially exceeding projections. While preorders through retail partners like Best Buy are unaffected, direct orders from Lenovo's website may have been impacted by unforeseen delivery issues.
Former Nintendo sales lead believes Switch 2 price will inevitably go up
A former Nintendo employee believes the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 will inevitably increase due to global economic factors like inflation, tariffs, and rising costs for components such as memory and helium. He suggests that Nintendo might be using software pricing strategies to make a potential hardware price hike more acceptable to consumers.
Evening Tech Bits
Half of planned US data center builds have been delayed or canceled due to shortages in power infrastructure and parts from China. This analysis from Tom's Hardware highlights the significant limitations impacting growth in the sector.
Former Nintendo Sales Lead Thinks Switch 2 Price Increase Is "Inevitable"
A former Nintendo sales lead named Sean believes a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 is inevitable due to factors like inflation, tariffs, and rising oil prices impacting semiconductor and cartridge manufacturing. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has previously stated the company would carefully consider any price changes based on market conditions.
PS5 price increases be damned, Amazon still has consoles at their previous rates - for now
Despite Sony's announced price increase for the PlayStation 5, Amazon is still selling consoles at their previous MSRPs. The price hike, which officially took effect on April 2, raised the Digital Edition to $599 and the Disc version to $649, with a Pro model listed at $899.99. This increase is attributed to ongoing component shortages impacting the tech industry.
Report claims OpenAI spending cuts have 'hit' memory prices but there's little evidence right now of…
A report claims that spending cuts at OpenAI have impacted memory chip prices, but current evidence is limited. While OpenAI has reportedly shut down its Sora video-generation tool and canceled a data center deal, the direct effect on PC memory kit prices is not immediately apparent and may take longer to manifest due to various other demand factors in the AI industry.
The RAM crisis is Apple's best chance in decades to capture the PC market
The global RAM crisis presents Apple with a unique opportunity to significantly increase its market share in the PC sector. While competitors face rising component costs and production challenges, Apple's integrated hardware and software, along with its strong profit margins, allow it to potentially offer competitive pricing and performance with its MacBook Neo. This situation could shift the balance of power away from Windows-based manufacturers.
TSMC is reportedly sold out until 2028 and even its next-gen Arizona fab is fully booked before it has even been built
TSMC is reportedly completely booked until 2028, including capacity for its next-generation N2 node, with demand coming from major tech companies like Nvidia, Apple, AMD, Intel, Google, and Amazon. This scarcity, even for future facilities, may open opportunities for competitors like Samsung and Intel. The situation suggests that consumers should not expect cheaper PCs or GPUs in the near future due to limited cutting-edge silicon production.
Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2 Could Follow PS5 and Increase Prices, Says Analyst
Sony has increased the prices of the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro due to rising component costs, a move that analyst Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis suggests Microsoft and Nintendo may follow for their respective consoles. These price hikes, coupled with inflation, could negatively impact new game sales, despite anticipated major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6.
After PS5 Price Hikes, Sony Suspends Memory Cards Over Supply Crisis
Sony has temporarily suspended the sale and production of its CFexpress and some SD memory cards due to an ongoing supply crisis. This decision comes shortly after PlayStation 5 price increases and highlights broader global supply chain issues impacting the company.
After PS5 Price Hikes, Sony Suspends Memory Card Sales Over Supply Crisis
Sony has temporarily suspended sales of its CFexpress and SDXC/SDHC memory cards due to global supply shortages and other factors, which may lead to price increases for consumers. This follows recent significant price hikes for the PlayStation 5, attributed by Sony to ongoing global economic pressures.
PlayStation Price Hike 2026: Sony Raises PS5 and Hardware Costs Globally | Invision Game Community
Sony has announced a global price increase for its PlayStation hardware, including the PlayStation 5, PS5 Digital Edition, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal, effective April 2, 2026. The company cites ongoing global economic pressures, rising component costs, and supply chain disruptions as reasons for the adjustment. This move marks a departure from the traditional trend of console prices decreasing over time.
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.
PS5 Console and PlayStation Portal Prices Go Up Again
Sony is increasing the prices of all PlayStation 5 console models and the PlayStation Portal worldwide, effective April 2, 2026. The company cited ongoing global economic pressures and supply chain issues, particularly with memory components, as the reasons for the hikes. Price increases will range from $50 to $150 depending on the specific model.
PS5 Pro Could Hit €900 as Sony Faces Memory Shortage Crisis
New rumors suggest that Sony may increase the prices of its PlayStation 5 consoles, including the PS5 Pro, due to a global memory shortage. The PS5 Pro could reportedly retail for €900, with the PS5 Slim potentially reaching €650. These price hikes are attributed to rising component costs and supply chain issues affecting the semiconductor industry.
'Continuing to sell this product is no longer sustainable': Ayaneo has suspended pre-orders of its uber-powerful Next 2 gaming handheld after costs approached 'twice the price we originally set'
Ayaneo has suspended pre-orders for its powerful Next 2 gaming handheld due to escalating storage costs, which have made production unsustainable. The company stated that the total cost of the device has nearly doubled its original selling price. Pre-orders for existing customers will still be fulfilled, and sales may resume if component prices stabilize.
Feature: Nintendo May Win Its Case Against The US Government, But Tariffs Are Here To Stay
Nintendo is pursuing legal action against the US government to reclaim tariffs paid on imported consoles and accessories, following a Supreme Court ruling that found the tariffs unlawfully imposed. Despite this potential victory, the company faces the prospect of new tariffs being implemented under different legal authorities, which could negate any refunds and lead to continued price increases for consumers. Experts suggest that companies should prepare for ongoing tariff challenges.
The memory crisis certainly isn't ending soon, as Micron confirm 'demand significantly in excess of our available supply for the foreseeable future'
Micron Technology has reported record revenue and profits but is facing a significant memory supply shortage, with demand far exceeding available supply for the foreseeable future. CEO Sanjay Merhotra stated that AI growth is a major driver of this demand, and while the company plans to increase output, it will take years for supply to meet AI needs. Micron also aims to maintain a diversified market mix including PCs, smartphones, and automotive sectors.
Where to buy Riftbound Unleashed, the latest set for the hit new card game
This guide provides information on where to purchase Riftbound Unleashed, the latest set for the popular trading card game Riftbound. It details availability in the US and UK, listing retailers like TCGPlayer, Amazon, and Zavvi, and explains potential reasons for the set's scarcity, including high demand and resellers.
