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- Analyst warns that console prices will increase by 10-15% in 2026.
- Valve is also being pressurized to reevaluate the Steam Machine price, which will launch next year.
- We recommend buying a new console before the holidays end because prices won’t be this low for at least a couple of years.
The AI boom has been taking effect in the electronics sector, causing a worldwide memory shortage and prompting Micron, a major RAM manufacturer, to exit the consumer market and focus on supplying AI companies.
The DRAM shortage has caused a ripple effect across all departments, and consoles could now be the latest victim. One analyst warns that console prices could soon face a bump as manufacturers struggle to meet demand.
Why it matters: We’re in the latter half of the current console generation, and prices are typically cut short during these periods, but unfortunately, gaming has become increasingly difficult for the average consumer due to inflation and economic changes.
According to Reuters, console prices are set to increase by 10% to 15% over the next year or two, and PC prices are set to rise by a whopping 30% in 2026.
For Xbox, Microsoft has already raised prices for the Series X|S consoles twice in 2025, and an Xbox Series X now costs as much as $800.
Valve is also entering the home console market with the Steam Machine, which could be priced higher than the company initially planned, and it could ruin things for them.
Sony and Nintendo were already prepared for situations like tariffs and memory shortages, which is why the prices of the PS5 and Switch 2 consoles remained unchanged throughout this year.
However, inventories could only last so long, and sooner or later, these consoles will also take a price hit. Currently, all the major consoles are on sale due to the holiday season, and we recommend buying them since it is probably the lowest they’ll go for in at least a couple of years, until this memory shortage ends.
The report further reveals that console sales have only gone downhill. While 2025 was the year they expected growth, the forecast was reduced by 3.5%, and for 2026, console sales are expected to drop by 4.4%.
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[Staff Writer]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheerzahid03@gmail.com
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