PS6 Delay & Switch 2 Price Hike: How the AI-Driven RAM Shortage Impacts Gaming
The tech world is grappling with a significant RAM shortage, largely driven by the insatiable demand from the burgeoning Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry. This isn’t just affecting data centers and server farms; it’s now directly impacting the video game industry, potentially delaying the release of the highly anticipated PlayStation 6 (PS6) and increasing the price of the Nintendo Switch 2.
PlayStation 6: A Potential Delay to 2028 or 2029?
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Sony is seriously considering pushing back the launch of the PS6 to 2028 or even 2029. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the RAM shortage is a key factor in this potential delay. This news corroborates earlier reports from Mashable in December, suggesting the possibility of a later release date. Initial leaks had pointed towards a 2027 launch, but those estimates now appear increasingly optimistic.
The demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a crucial component in both AI and modern gaming consoles, is skyrocketing. AI applications require massive amounts of RAM for training and operation, creating a bottleneck that impacts the supply available for other sectors, including gaming. This scarcity drives up costs and makes it difficult for console manufacturers to secure the necessary components to meet production timelines.
Nintendo Switch 2: Price Increase on the Horizon?
The impact isn’t limited to Sony. Nintendo is reportedly contemplating a price increase for the Switch 2 later this year, also due to the ongoing memory shortages. While rumors of a price hike linked to tariffs surfaced in 2025, they didn’t materialize. However, the current RAM situation presents a more pressing and unavoidable challenge.
The Switch 2 is expected to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, and a price increase could make it less accessible to a wider audience. Nintendo faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining profitability and remaining competitive in the gaming market. You can find more information about the Switch 2’s development on IGN.
Industry Response & Future Outlook
Neither Sony nor Nintendo have publicly commented on Bloomberg’s report. The situation highlights the interconnectedness of the tech industry and the ripple effects of supply chain disruptions. The AI boom, while transformative, is creating unforeseen challenges for other sectors reliant on the same critical components.
As the demand for AI continues to grow, the RAM shortage is likely to persist, potentially impacting the release dates and pricing of other gaming hardware and consumer electronics. Gamers will need to brace themselves for potential delays and higher costs as the industry navigates this challenging landscape.
Source: Bloomberg
