RAM prices have surged between 150% and 300% from late 2025 into early 2026, perhaps delaying the next generation of PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
The escalating cost of RAM, fueled by demand from the artificial intelligence sector, is throwing the future of console releases into question.
- Sony and Microsoft are both six years into the current console generation (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S).
- A seven-year cycle has been typical for both companies in past console releases.
- The rising cost of RAM could force a delay in the launch of new consoles, currently anticipated around 2027-2028.
- Current console prices may also increase as a result of RAM shortages.
This 2026 marks six years since the launch of the latest generation of consoles from Sony and Microsoft, with the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X/S, respectively. Sony released the PlayStation 3 in 2006, the PlayStation 4 in 2013, and the PlayStation 5 in 2020, consistently maintaining a seven-year cycle. Microsoft followed suit with the Xbox 360 in 2005, the Xbox One in 2013, and the Xbox Series X/S in 2020, mirroring Sony’s timeframe in its last generation.
If both companies adhere to the launch cycles established over the past two decades, the new generation of PlayStation and Xbox should arrive in 2027. However,neither company has publicly confirmed the development of any future consoles.
The growing shortage of RAM in the market is now a significant concern, potentially altering these plans. the rise of artificial intelligence has dramatically increased the value of RAM memories, and prices are not expected to decline given AI’s continued expansion.
Between the second half of 2025 and early 2026, RAM memory prices have increased between 150% and 300%, depending on capacity and whether it’s DDR4 or DDR5.
What Does This Mean for the Next Generation of Consoles?
Concerns are mounting within the video game industry regarding the availability of RAM and its impact on the mass production of consoles at competitive prices, according to reports from Insider gaming. this situation complicates plans for both Sony and Microsoft, as the anticipated increase in RAM memory prices would likely result in considerably higher prices for their next consoles compared to the current generation.
Console makers have debated whether the next generation should be delayed regarding the release date scheduled for 2027-2028, in the hope that RAM manufacturers can expand their infrastructure and production, which would allow prices to drop,” sources at Insider Gaming stated.
The price hike isn’t limited to future consoles; it could also lead to increased prices for current consoles this year, potentially forcing Sony and Microsoft to extend the lifespan of their existing hardware.
Explanation of Changes & Answers to Questions:
* Why is this happening? The surge in RAM prices is primarily due to increased demand from the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. AI applications require substantial amounts of RAM, driving up prices and creating a shortage for other industries, including gaming.
* Who is affected? Sony and Microsoft, the manufacturers of the
