Key Takeaways
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- The PS5 has undergone price increases in the past and is expected to experience another increase of 10-15% by mid-2026 due to high demand for RAM for AI projects like OpenAIs Stargate, which requires a significant amount of DRAM wafers.
- The increasing demand for components and RAM could potentially force other console manufacturers such as Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo to raise their console prices.
- The anticipated price hike for the Nintendo Switch 2 would make it the first Nintendo console to become more expensive post-launch, joining a growing trend in the industry.
- Component shortages and rising RAM prices could potentially lead to delays in the release of the PS6 and the next Microsoft console.
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Potential PS5 Price Increase in Mid-2026 Due to RAM Demand for AI Projects
The PlayStation 5, originally launched in November 2020 for $399 (digital) and $499 (Blu-ray), saw a $49.99 price increase for both models in August 2022. The digital model’s price rose again to $499.99 in April 2025, and further increases are likely given current market pressures. In December 2025, Dr. Serkan Toto—analyst and CEO of Kantan Games—told GamesRadar that the increasing demand for RAM by AI projects like OpenAI’s Stargate could drive up console prices. Stargate requires approximately 900,000 DRAM wafers monthly, reducing the supply for console, PC, and smartphone manufacturers. Dr. Toto expects console prices to jump 10–15% by mid-2026. He added that Valve may need to rethink the pricing of its new Steam Machine, also slated for release next year. Sony previously mitigated potential RAM shortages by stockpiling GDDR6 SDRAM when prices were low, securing their supplies for several months as a short-term solution. According to Insider Gaming, component shortages and RAM prices could force Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo to raise console prices. The report also states that the PS6 and the next Microsoft console might be delayed.
Anticipated Price Hikes for Nintendo Switch 2 and Potential PS5 Upsurge in Mid-2026
Notably, the Xbox Series X has already increased from its original price of $499 to $599.99 (though it can be hard to find in stores). The Nintendo Switch 2, launched on June 5 at $469.99, has not yet seen a price increase. If Nintendo raises the price of the Switch 2, it would be the first Nintendo console to become more expensive post-launch, joining a growing trend.
In Case You Missed It
In other gaming news, Bruno Pferd has just dropped an intriguing article titled “Hogwarts Legacy 2 Likely to Feature Online Multiplayer Mode”. Could the magical world of Hogwarts be expanding beyond its solo adventures? Bruno’s analysis of a recent job listing at Avalanche Software hints at an online multiplayer mode in the works for the sequel, sparking speculation about cooperative activities and competitive Quidditch. Meanwhile, Sophie Laurent’s latest piece dives into the thrilling developments of the Sleeping Dogs film adaptation, with Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto at the helm, promising a raw and visceral experience reminiscent of his previous work, “The Night Comes For Us”. With Simu Liu leading the project and a script already in the works, this one’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. But wait, there’s more! Jonathan Dubinski has leaked an exciting scoop about Amazon exploring a live-action reality TV show adaptation of Fallout, titled ‘Fallout Shelter’. This innovative take on the beloved post-apocalyptic franchise promises to immerse contestants in the role of vault residents or supervisors, battling for survival and resources in unique Squid Game-esque challenges. While we await official confirmation, dive into Bruno’s, Sophie’s, and Jonathan’s analyses here Hogwarts Legacy 2 Likely to Feature Online Multiplayer Mode, Early Clues Emerge, here Sleeping Dogs Film Finds Its Director – He’s Indonesian, Responsible for the Acclaimed ‘The Night Comes For Us’!, and here Fallout: Another Big Surprise Leaked, Poised to be a Huge Hit respectively, to stay ahead of the curve on these exciting gaming and entertainment developments!
They also talk about it
Links to external sources for further reading
- PS5, Xbox & Switch 2: Werden Konsolen 2026 noch teurer? Analyst zeichnet düsteres BildPS5, Xbox & Switch 2: Werden Konsolen 2026 noch teurer? Analyst zeichnet düsteres Bildplay3.de
- Why January 2026 Is Your Last Chance to Buy a PS5 or Xbox Before Prices SkyrocketWhy January 2026 Is Your Last Chance to Buy a PS5 or Xbox Before Prices Skyrocketthecontrollerpeople.com
- After RAM and SSDs, the AI Boom Could Soon Drive Up Console Prices, Analysts WarnAfter RAM and SSDs, the AI Boom Could Soon Drive Up Console Prices, Analysts Warntech4gamers.com
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