RAM shortage tied to AI data centers is pushing up gaming hardware prices

In short: A global shortage of RAM is making some gaming devices more expensive and harder to launch because memory makers are focusing on AI data centers.

What's going on

RAM is a common type of computer memory, like a desk where a device keeps what it is working on right now. According to Wired, there is not enough RAM supply to meet demand, and prices are rising.

A big reason is where memory makers are sending their production. Three companies, Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, control about 93% of the world’s memory supply. Wired reports they are prioritizing memory used in AI data centers, including HBM, short for High Bandwidth Memory (a faster kind of memory often used next to AI chips), because large cloud companies such as Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon are buying a lot of it.

That shift leaves less memory for consumer products like game consoles, gaming PCs, handhelds, and graphics cards. Wired says this is already showing up as higher prices, stock problems, and delayed plans. Examples mentioned include intermittent out of stock Steam Deck units, more vague pricing talk from hardware makers, and reports that some future launches could slip because newer memory types like DDR7 are expected to be tight.

Wired also points to knock-on effects in graphics cards. It reports that chipmakers are prioritizing AI-focused parts that use HBM, which can affect the timing of gaming-focused releases.

What to watch

Prices and launch schedules could stay unstable through 2026 if data center demand keeps taking priority. It is also worth noting what this story does not show. The reporting and search results summarized here do not provide evidence that this RAM shortage is directly causing widespread job losses in the gaming industry.

Source: Wired