samsung issued a warning that console game prices could increase for all players. Although Samsung does not produce traditional gaming consoles itself, it produces and works with all kinds of components and electronics, which lends credence to Samsung's claims.
It's no secret to avid gamers that the hobby is becoming increasingly expensive. In addition to some games selling for higher prices than expected, gamers have also seen console price hikes, regardless of whether they prefer PlayStation or Xbox. Additionally, the Switch 2 is significantly more expensive than its predecessor, making it less accessible to all three major consoles of the current generation. Unfortunately, things may get worse for console gamers before they get better.
Samsung has increased the price of DDR5 RAM by more than 100% amid the ongoing crisis.
Samsung has made the PC parts crisis worse by effectively doubling the price of the DDR5 RAM kits it produces for several companies.
Samsung warns of price increase
Now, at CES 2026, Samsung is warning consumers that TV prices are likely to rise due to rising DRAM prices and ongoing shortages. Roh Tae-moo, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, explained that prices are likely to rise due to the rising prices of electronic components used in numerous electronic products such as mobile phones, home appliances, and TVs. Lee Won-jin, head of Samsung's global marketing, said in an interview with Bloomberg, “There will be a 'problem' in the supply of semiconductors that will affect everyone. As a result, Samsung will raise prices to compensate for the increased cost of components.”
Using a screen of some kind, whether it's a TV or a monitor, is essential for playing games on most home consoles, and this can cause problems for gamers. People who are planning to upgrade their screens or are experiencing problems with their TV in the near future may face higher prices for a new TV, making it more difficult to afford. With that in mind, people looking for a new TV might want to consider getting a good deal before it's too late. Because those prices could become a thing of the past.
Why Electronic Components Are Getting More Expensive
TV manufacturing issues and rising component prices are just one symptom of the ongoing problem. Recent advances in AI technology have increased demand for semiconductors, DRAM, drives, and other computer and server components. For AI like ChatGPT or Gemini to work, they need so much computing power that the 2025 Ghibli AI Art Trend has OpenAI lamenting that its GPUs are melting. The introduction of more advanced AI video and image generation and the integration of AI into everything from mobile phones to search engines will only worsen demand.
Unfortunately, gaming will feel the pressure of this demand in more ways than simply raising TV prices. The AI-induced RAM crisis could lead to further increases in console prices, and the situation is no better for PCs, as both RAM and GPU prices make PCs more expensive to build or buy. Compounding the problem, some people living in states with AI data centers face higher electricity bills.
To make matters worse, the game could see more issues with AI in the future due to demand for parts. According to a recent report, the next-gen gaming consoles, i.e. successors to PlayStation 6 and Xbox Series X/S, may be delayed due to lack of RAM and cost. Valve's upcoming Steam Machine may not be a cheaper option, with a recent report suggesting that the Steam Machine could cost between $800 and $900, depending on whether players buy the 512GB or 2TB version.
No matter how players choose to play, the hobby could soon become more expensive overall.
Source: Reuters
