The next generation of consoles is already being talked about. But new concerns suggest the biggest obstacle might not be performance targets or launch lineups. It could be RAM.
A growing RAM availability problem is beginning to ripple across the tech industry, and its impact could stretch far beyond PCs and smartphones. Console makers are now facing the possibility that their next systems may arrive later than expected or at a higher price point than fans are used to.
Demand for high-performance memory has surged across multiple sectors at once, driven by AI hardware, data centers, mobile devices, and premium consumer tech, all competing for the same supply. Manufacturers are struggling to scale production quickly enough, and prices have therefore increased. When RAM becomes more expensive or harder to secure, it affects everything from the production of games to the release of consoles.
Modern consoles rely heavily on fast, high-capacity memory to hit performance targets while keeping costs down. Any disruption to that supply chain immediately puts pressure on launch timelines and margins. It also limits how aggressive platform holders can be with pricing, especially in a market that is already sensitive to hardware cost increases.
That pressure may not stop with the current generation, as some have suggested the next wave of consoles could be affected, including delays or price hikes.
Next-gen consoles face uncertain timelines and pricing
According to Insider Gaming, concerns around RAM availability are already influencing high-level conversations across the console space.
“From what we’ve heard, the industry as a whole is concerned about RAM availability (as they should be) and what that is going to mean for mass-producing consoles at a competitive price point, explained Insider Gaming, who went on to add “Not only for the next generation, but it could also mean that yet more price increases for current generation consoles will hit us in 2026.”
That concern goes deeper than short-term pricing; they also report that platform holders are now weighing whether it even makes sense to stick to their current launch targets.
“The situation has led console manufacturers to debate whether the next generation of consoles should be delayed from their intended 2027-2028 release window, with the hope that RAM manufacturers will be able to build out their infrastructure to produce more RAM, thereby allowing prices to drop.”
If that debate turns into action, it could reshape the entire console roadmap. If RAM shortages and elevated pricing persist, the knock-on effects may stretch across multiple console generations.
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