another one PlayStation And Xbox consoles may arrive later than expected, thanks to the ongoing RAM crisis. PC gaming has suffered the effects of AI-driven RAM shortages, while consoles have begun to be overshadowed by skyrocketing prices. Amid this massive market shift, there are reports that PlayStation and Xbox may be rethinking their next-gen release windows in hopes of some relief in the future.
It all started in October 2025, when two major RAM manufacturers agreed to set aside much of their memory for the OpenAI data center expansion project. As the deal has disrupted available supply, the price of some consumer RAM has tripled, and the issue has worsened since then. More memory makers have shifted their focus from consumer markets and gaming to serve the growing AI industry, and if this continues, console companies may feel the same pressure.
Rumor: Xbox consoles may soon see another price hike
A gaming industry insider says the Xbox console could face another price hike, and lists the reason behind Microsoft's rumored decision.
Xbox and PlayStation may delay next-gen consoles to wait for lack of RAM
According to a report from Insider Gaming, console makers are debating whether to delay their next-gen platforms amid this shortage. While consoles typically use a different form of memory than what gamers find on PCs, they still require RAM, and companies usually source it from the same suppliers, as a few manufacturers account for most of the chip production. As a result, companies like Sony and Microsoft also feel the impact of more RAM in AI applications, which can create production bottlenecks or increase costs. With the next-gen Xbox and PS6 reportedly targeting a 2027 launch window, it's possible the shortage won't be resolved by the time these consoles are set to come out, so a delay may be necessary to avoid price increases.
A recent Micron report said the RAM shortage could last beyond 2026, as it will take time to build more cleanrooms to support higher memory production. If this is the case, it will almost certainly affect the PS6 and the future Xbox if Sony and Microsoft want to start construction as early as 2027, current rumors suggest. As Insider Gaming points out, consoles have historically subsidized their prices through game sales, but if RAM costs rise significantly, that may not be enough to offset the expense, especially considering how the next generation will be more expensive to produce. Waiting to settle terms would help Sony and Microsoft avoid passing on higher costs to consumers.
In the past, console companies have raised their prices at their own expense. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have all done this, but repeating the same strategy this time may not be in their best interest. After months of relatively low numbers, video game hardware sales hit a 30-year low in November 2025, despite the Switch 2 flying off the shelves. Given the dramatic decline in consumer spending and recent price hikes in the gaming industry, another bump in console costs could drive away customers and hurt sales more than Xbox or PlayStation are comfortable with. It may be worth it in light of the pressure to wait until they can justify the lower end-user costs.
Neither Sony nor Microsoft have commented on how the RAM crisis might affect their next-gen console plans. However, a release delay seems a real possibility, as will price increases if console companies don't delay anything. That may sound scary, but depending on how the industry reacts, it could be a long-lasting upside for the current generation. For now, though, the future is uncertain, and things are looking increasingly cloudy for the PlayStation 6 and next-gen Xbox as RAM prices continue to rise with no end in sight.
- brand
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Sony PlayStation
- Original release date
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November 7, 2024
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$749.99
- processor
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AMD Ryzen Zen 2 (8 cores, 16 threads, 3.5GHz)
- resolve
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up to 8K
- HDR support
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yes
Source: Insider Gaming
