Supply Chain
Ongoing coverage on Supply Chain.
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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 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.
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.
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.
MSI plan 15-30% price hikes for their hardware, report claims, as the memory crisis' consequences continue to rumble back to your wallet
MSI is reportedly planning price increases of 15-30% for its hardware due to the ongoing memory shortage and its impact on the PC market. The company anticipates a contraction in the PC market and plans to shift focus towards higher-end hardware, while also exploring support for DDR4 on DDR5 motherboards and investing in its AI server business.
Major copper foil supplier raises prices by 12%, potentially ushering in a fresh wave of spikey prices for PCBs and…
Mitsui Kinzoku, a major supplier of copper foil for printed circuit boards, has announced a 12% price increase for its MicroThin copper foil products, effective April 2026. This follows a trend of rising material costs, with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical also increasing prices by 30% on some products. Increased demand from the AI industry and supply chain challenges are contributing factors to these price hikes, potentially leading to further cost increases for PC components.
'There is no scenario where memory prices correct in the second half' of 2027, according to new market…
Market research firm Counterpoint Research indicates that memory prices are unlikely to see a correction until the second half of 2027 due to an ongoing supply crisis. Prices for DDR5 DRAM modules, LPDDR5X, and DDR4 have significantly increased, with NAND product pricing also spiking. Analysts suggest that consumer pricing improvements will not be seen until late 2027, as suppliers prioritize commodity memory production over custom AI chips.
The Steam Machine Will Run All Steam Deck Titles With 1080p 30FPS Minimum
Valve announced that the upcoming Steam Machine will be capable of running all Steam Deck Verified titles, requiring a minimum of 1080p at 30 FPS. However, ongoing RAM shortages may cause a delay in its planned 2026 launch, with the company re-evaluating shipping schedules and pricing for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset.
Valve pleads "if you have a line on a bunch of RAM, we are in the market and would like to buy it," as AI and data centers make building Steam Machines a Herculean challenge
Valve is facing significant challenges in producing its Steam Machine due to a global shortage of RAM, exacerbated by demand from AI and data centers. The company is actively seeking suppliers for memory components as it aims for a 2026 release.
UK: Pokemon Pokopia was apparently massively undersupplied and only sold half of Pokemon Legends Z-A
UK physical software sales data indicates that Pokemon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch was significantly undersupplied, leading to only half the sales of Pokemon Legends Z-A. Journalist Christopher Dring reported that retailers were likely unprepared for the game's strong performance, resulting in stock shortages.
Memory prices could leap even higher as the supply of helium, crucial to making chips, is now impacted by the conflict…
The conflict in the Middle East is impacting the global supply of helium, a critical component for semiconductor manufacturing. Major chipmakers like Samsung and SK Hynix are facing instability in sourcing helium, which is a byproduct of liquefied natural gas production. This disruption, particularly affecting South Korea's imports from Qatar, could lead to increased memory prices and potential production cuts for less profitable chips.
