Samsung memory shortage pushes up gaming hardware prices

A recent survey in Germany found that 37 % of gamers have postponed purchases of new graphics cards, consoles or PC upgrades because of rising component costs. The price pressure stems from a prolonged RAM shortage that Samsung Electronics warned will continue through 2027 and likely remain tight until at least 2028. Samsung, which supplies roughly one‑third of the world’s memory chips, says the shortage is driven by sustained demand from artificial‑intelligence workloads, with major AI firms securing long‑term supply contracts. This tight supply keeps RAM and related component prices high, affecting consumer‑grade hardware such as the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, as well as graphics cards and PC memory kits.

The memory market is dominated by Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron, and the situation has prompted a class‑action lawsuit in California alleging price‑fixing among the three firms. As a result, gamers worldwide are facing higher costs and many are delaying upgrades until prices stabilize.