Key Takeaways
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- The memory shortage is impacting the production and availability of tech products, including the Steam Deck and potentially new consoles like the PlayStation 6 and Nintendo Switch 2.
- This shortage, known as Rammageddon, is primarily affecting the supply of memory RAM due to increased demand for chips and components used in AI datacenters.
- Key suppliers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron control the market for these components, which are essential for various devices like PCs, smartphones, cars, and more.
- To address the shortage, some companies may need to re-evaluate their launch plans or consider price increases, such as Nintendo with the Switch 2. However, others, like Acer, are offering deals on high-spec PCs and storage solutions like the Ugreen NASync DXP4800.
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Valve has warned that the memory shortage, driven by demand for the Valve Index, is impacting Steam Deck production and availability. The portable computer is currently out of stock in the US and Canada because of increased costs for memory and storage components. While still available in the UK and EU markets, all three Steam Deck models are unavailable in the US Steam store. Limited supplies of memory and storage are also affecting availability of the Steam Deck OLED, and restock dates are unknown. This shortage may also delay the launch of Valve’s new Steam Machine console. According to Valve, stock shortages may persist, especially for models requiring more memory. The company has stated that the Steam Deck OLED may become intermittently unavailable in some regions. The 256GB LCD Steam Deck is no longer in production and will not be restocked. The memory shortage is also reportedly forcing Valve to re-evaluate its launch plans for the Steam Machine console and VR Steam goggles. Other console manufacturers may also be affected. Industry rumors suggest a possible delay in the PlayStation 6 release and a potential price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 this year.
Memory Crisis Affects Tech Market, Threatens Console Launches and Storage Solutions
Dubbed “Rammageddon” by the media, the crisis results from increased demand for chips and components used in AI datacenters. Initially seen in GPU price inflation, the problem now primarily affects memory RAM supply. A few key suppliers, including Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, control the market for these components, which are essential for everything from PCs and smartphones to cars. Earlier this month, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated that they have no plans to raise the Switch 2 price due to rising memory costs, but this could change if the situation worsens. In other news, some Xbox Live users continue to experience outages. Meanwhile, a free update adds high-quality audio support to Rode wireless mics and iOS devices. The Acer Aspire 14 AI Copilot PC, featuring 16GB RAM, is on sale, priced under $460. Additionally, the Ugreen NASync DXP4800 shoebox-sized NAS, offering up to 96TB of storage, is available at a reduced price.
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In an exciting turn of events, Ahmed Hassan has been on a roll! First, he shared that Sony has announced a God of War remake trilogy (“Sony Announces God of War Remake Trilogy”) slated for release during their State of Play event, promising a visual facelift while honoring the franchise’s rich history. Then, Bruno Pferd brought us more thrilling news from the same event – not only is there a faithful reimagining of the original trilogy with updated graphics and refined combat systems, but we’re also getting an arcade-style adventure in “God of War: Sons of Sparta”! And if that wasn’t enough, Ahmed’s latest article, “God of War May Arrive on Xbox and Nintendo”, has fans buzzing with whispers of a Metroidvania-style God of War game rumored for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. Check out these exciting updates here: Sony Announces God of War Remake Trilogy Sony ‘Shadow Drops’ God of War: Sons of Sparta, Announces Original Trilogy Remake and here God of War May Arrive on Xbox and Nintendo.
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Links to external sources for further reading
- Steam Deck OLED stock shortages blamed on memory and storage issues - will the RAM crisis affect Valve's Steam Machine PC?Steam Deck OLED stock shortages blamed on memory and storage issues - will the RAM crisis affect Valve's Steam Machine PC?pcmag.com
- Valve is damned either wayValve is damned either waytechspot.com
- Valve: Yep, Steam Deck OLED Is Out of Stock Because of Memory ShortageValve: Yep, Steam Deck OLED Is Out of Stock Because of Memory Shortagepcworld.com