next playstation Xbox consoles may be released later than expected due to the ongoing RAM crisis. While PC gaming is most affected by the lack of AI-powered RAM, it's starting to cast a shadow over consoles as prices continue to skyrocket. Amid these massive market shifts, there are reports that PlayStation and Xbox may be rethinking their next-gen release windows to gain some relief in the future.
It all started in October 2025, when two major RAM manufacturers agreed to secure a significant portion of memory for the OpenAI data center expansion project. The deal has limited available supply, causing prices for some consumer RAM to more than triple, and the problem has only gotten worse since then. More and more memory manufacturers are shifting their focus away from the consumer market and gaming to serve the burgeoning AI industry, and if this continues, console companies could feel the same pressure.
Rumor: Xbox consoles could soon see another price increase
Gaming industry insiders say Xbox consoles could face another price hike and list the reasons behind Microsoft's rumored decision.
Xbox and PlayStation may delay their next-gen consoles to wait out RAM shortages.
According to a report from Insider Gaming, console manufacturers are believed to be debating whether or not to delay their next-gen platforms due to this shortage. Consoles typically use a special form of memory separate from what gamers use on their PCs, but they still require RAM, and since only a few manufacturers produce most chips, companies typically source them from the same suppliers. As a result, companies like Sony and Microsoft will feel the effects of more RAM being used for AI applications, which could create production bottlenecks or increase costs. With the next-gen Xbox and PS6 reportedly targeting a 2027 release window, it's possible that shortages won't be resolved by the time these consoles launch, so a delay may be necessary to avoid price hikes.
A recent Micron report said the RAM shortage could persist beyond 2026 because it takes time to build more cleanrooms to support more memory production. If so, it will almost certainly impact the PS6 and future Xbox if Sony and Microsoft plan to start manufacturing in early 2027, as current rumors suggest. As Insider Gaming points out, consoles have historically subsidized their prices through game sales, but if RAM costs are high enough, that may not be enough to offset the costs. Especially considering that next-generation products are already expensive to produce. Waiting until conditions stabilize will help Sony and Microsoft avoid passing on higher costs to consumers.
In the past, console companies have raised prices to cover costs. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have all done it, but repeating the same strategy might not be in their best interest. After months of relatively low numbers, video game hardware sales hit a 30-year low in November 2025, despite the release of Switch 2. Given the sharp decline in consumer spending and recent price increases across the gaming industry, another rise in console costs could drive customers away and hurt sales more than Xbox or PlayStation can afford. Given these pressures, it may be worthwhile to wait until end-user cost savings can be justified.
Neither Sony nor Microsoft have yet commented on how the RAM crisis may affect their next-gen console plans. However, a delayed launch seems like a real possibility, as prices will likely increase if console companies don't delay anything. It may seem scary, but depending on how the industry reacts, there may be positive aspects that could make this generation last longer. But for now, the future is uncertain, and with RAM prices continuing to skyrocket, things are looking increasingly bleak for the PlayStation 6 and next-gen Xbox.
- brand
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sony playstation
- original release date
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November 7, 2024
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$749.99
- processor
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AMD Ryzen Zen 2 (8 cores, 16 threads, 3.5GHz)
- solve
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Up to 8K
- HDR support
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yes
Source: Insider Games
