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The video game industry may need to pump the brakes on next-generation consoles as memory chip prices continue to climb. According to Insider Gaming, high-level discussions are already taking place among console makers about how RAM availability could impact their next-generation plans. The issue stems from surging demand for memory chips driven by artificial intelligence development, which has pushed RAM prices up by several hundred percent in recent months.
Industry leaders are worried about two main problems: finding enough RAM to build millions of consoles, and keeping those consoles affordable for consumers. These concerns apply not just to future hardware, but could also lead to more price hikes for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and other current systems as soon as 2026.
Console manufacturers typically sell their hardware at lower prices to encourage adoption, making up costs through game sales and subscriptions. However, the RAM shortage and price increases are making this approach much harder. Next-generation consoles were already expected to cost more than previous models, but ongoing memory chip issues could push prices even higher.
According to Insider Gaming’s sources, console makers are now considering whether to delay their next systems beyond the planned 2027-2028 release window. The hope is that RAM manufacturers will expand their production facilities during that time, which could bring prices back down.
The situation creates difficult choices for the gaming industry. While waiting could mean better pricing, it also extends the current console generation even further. In the meantime, gamers should prepare for the possibility of higher hardware costs over the next few years.
