If Sony’s and Microsoft’s next-generation consoles are also impacted by RAM shortages, the gaming industry itself may have to slow down.

Anyone who has been following recent news already knows that the entire technology industry is facing significant challenges regarding RAM availability, as manufacturers prioritize production for AI data centers and, in some cases, discontinue consumer products altogether. This is why Micron shut down the Crucial brand. However, the current rise in RAM prices is only the beginning, as not only are many products expected to become more expensive next year, but their launches may also be delayed until the situation stabilizes. Even the PlayStation 6 and the next-gen Xbox may not be immune, with their releases potentially pushed beyond the 2027–2028 window.

According to Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming, who has proven to be a highly reliable source in the past, console manufacturers are in a very delicate position due to the massive increase in RAM prices. While consoles have traditionally been subsidized to some extent and sold at a loss, rising RAM costs suggest that next-gen consoles, already expected to be significantly more expensive, could become nearly unaffordable. As a result, Sony and Microsoft are reportedly discussing whether to delay the launch of the PlayStation 6 and the next-gen Xbox beyond the current 2027–2028 timeframe, hoping that RAM manufacturers will expand infrastructure and increase production, allowing prices to fall.

Setting the right price for the PlayStation 6 and the new Xbox will be critical for both platforms, as the primary reason gamers choose consoles over PCs or laptops is affordability. In recent months, it has been suggested that Sony’s next-gen system could launch at a reasonable price while offering 4K resolution and 120 FPS. However, due to the current economic climate and tariffs, even current-generation console prices have increased, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is also expected to follow this trend in 2026. Given these circumstances, it seems unlikely that Sony will be able to keep the price of its new hardware low.

Although the new Xbox is reportedly aiming to compete with gaming PCs rather than directly with the PlayStation 6, rising RAM prices will undoubtedly have a major impact on Microsoft’s system as well. The hardware already appears more expensive than Sony’s offering, as it will be powered by AMD’s Magnus APU. It will be interesting to see how manufacturers manage to overcome these unprecedented challenges.

Source: WCCFTech, Insider Gaming