Samsung has issued a warning that could mean the price of console gaming could rise for gamers everywhere. Samsung doesn't produce any traditional game consoles, the company manufactures and works on all kinds of parts and electronics, lending credence to its claims.
It's no secret to avid gamers that this hobby is becoming increasingly expensive. In addition to some games selling for more than expected, consoles have been hit by price hikes, whether gamers prefer PlayStation or Xbox. The Switch 2 is also more expensive than its predecessor, making all three major current-gen consoles less accessible. Unfortunately, things may get worse before they get better for console gamers.
Samsung has raised its DDR5 RAM prices by more than 100 percent amid the ongoing crisis
Samsung has effectively doubled the price of its DDR5 RAM kits that it makes for various companies, exacerbating the PC parts crisis.
Samsung has warned of price hikes
Now, during CES 2026, Samsung has warned consumers that, due to the rising cost of DRAM and continued shortages, the price of TVs is likely to rise. Samsung's co-CEO, TM Roh, said that many electronics, including phones, home appliances, and TVs, are likely to see their prices rise in response to the rising cost of the electronic components that go into them. Speaking to Bloomberg, Samsung's head of global marketing Wonjin Lee said there will be “issues” in semiconductor supplies that will affect everyone, prompting Samsung to raise its prices to compensate for the rising cost of the parts that go into them.
Using some sort of screen – whether a TV or a monitor – is essential for gaming on most home consoles, which can pose a problem for gamers. Those who are planning to upgrade their screen or see their TV failing in the near future may face high prices for a new one, making it difficult to afford. With that in mind, those looking for a new TV may want to consider grabbing any good deals they see before it's too late, as those prices may be a thing of the past.
Why are electronic parts becoming more expensive?
The problem with TV manufacturing and the rising cost of their parts is just one symptom of the ongoing problem. Demand for semiconductors, DRAM, drives, and other computer and server components is increasing due to the recent push of AI technology. For AI like ChatGPT and Gemini to work, plenty of computing power is needed, with OpenAI once complaining that its GPUs are melting due to the popularity of the Ghibli AI art trend in 2025. With the introduction of more advanced AI video and image generation, the integration of everything into the AI search engine makes searching for just a phone a breeze.
Unfortunately, gaming will feel the pinch from this demand in more ways than just raising TV prices. An AI-fueled RAM crisis could lead to further price hikes for consoles, and PCs don't fare much better, with the price of RAM and GPUs similarly building or making PCs more expensive. Some of those living in states with AI data centers also saw huge electricity bills, compounding the problem.
To make matters worse, gaming may see more issues with AI in the future due to demand for parts. Recent reports indicate that the next generation of game consoles, namely the follow-up to PlayStation 6 and Xbox Series X/S, may be delayed due to lack of RAM and cost. Valve's upcoming Steam Machine might not be a more affordable option, with recent reports indicating that the Steam Machine could cost anywhere from $800 to $900, depending on whether players buy the 512GB or 2TB versions.
Regardless of how players choose to play, this hobby can quickly become more expensive across the board.
Source: Reuters
