The battle over RAM resources is forcing console makers to urgently revise their plans, with Sony possibly delaying the PlayStation 6 launch as far as 2028.
Currently, the global video game industry faces a critical turning point as the memory chip shortage, specifically RAM—which is highly sought after by the artificial intelligence industry—begins to directly impact plans to release new game consoles.
A CNBC report revealed that tech giants Nvidia and Google have been the first to secure access to these crucial components for their AI chips, driving up memory prices. This has caused a ripple effect on retail prices and inventory levels of game consoles, pressuring major players like Sony and Nintendo to reconsider their future console release schedules.
Sony's plans reportedly include postponing the PlayStation 6 (PS6) launch to 2028, or possibly even 2029. While the current high RAM prices aren't a major issue for Sony now, they are expected to become a significant problem in the 2027 fiscal year. Consequently, Sony might extend the lifecycle of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) instead of rushing a costly new console launch, which would lead to prohibitively high prices that are difficult for consumers to afford.
Meanwhile, Nintendo faces similar production cost pressures and may adjust the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 within this year, due to a 41 percent increase in the cost of 12GB RAM compared to normal pricing.
The current memory chip shortage crisis is not only affecting the console gaming business due to the AI industry's influence but is also impacting the smartphone industry, with some manufacturers already lowering their shipment targets.
:CNBC