The fierce competition for RAM has forced console manufacturers to drastically adjust their plans, with Sony possibly delaying the PlayStation 6 launch until as late as 2028.
Currently, the global video game industry faces a pivotal moment as the shortage of memory chips, or RAM, highly sought after by the artificial intelligence sector, begins directly impacting plans for launching new gaming consoles.
A CNBC report revealed that tech giants Nvidia and Google have become the first to secure critical components needed for their AI chips, driving up memory prices and consequently affecting retail prices and stock availability ofgaming consoles.This situation has pressured major players like Sony and Nintendo to reconsider and revise their future console launch schedules.
Regarding Sony’s plans, reports suggest the PlayStation 6 launch may be postponed to 2028 or even 2029. While the current high RAM prices are not an immediate issue, the 2027 fiscal year could present significant challenges. Sony might need to extend the PlayStation 5 generation’s lifecycle rather than rushing a costly new console release, which would likely result in prohibitively high prices.
Nintendo faces similar production cost pressures. It may raise the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 this year because the cost of 12GB RAM has increased by more than 41 percent from its usual price.
The memory chip shortage crisis is not limited to the console gaming industry due to AI’s influence but also affects the smartphone sector, with some manufacturers already lowering their shipment targets.
Source:CNBC