Hey gamers! If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the PlayStation 6 or the next Xbox, you might want to grab a snack and settle in—because the release of these next-gen consoles could be pushed back further than expected.
Recent buzz on X and reports from industry insiders like Tom Henderson suggest that skyrocketing RAM prices, fueled by the insatiable appetite of AI data centers, might delay the PS6 and next Xbox from their anticipated 2027-2028 launch windows to as late as 2029 or beyond. Let’s dive into what’s happening and what it means for the future of gaming.
The RAM Crisis: A Perfect Storm for Console Makers
The catalyst for this potential delay? A global RAM shortage that’s hitting the tech world hard. As of December 29, 2025, industry data shows that contract prices for DDR5 memory have spiked by nearly 300% in the last three months alone.
The culprit? The explosive growth of AI. Companies like OpenAI and Meta are snapping up vast quantities of memory chips to power their machine learning models. Manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix are shifting their production lines toward high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI, leaving "crumbs" for the consumer electronics market.
Why the Delay? Economics 101 Meets Gaming
Building a new console isn’t cheap. Traditionally, Sony and Microsoft sell hardware at a loss (or razor-thin margins) and make it up on software. But with memory modules now projected to account for over 35% of total hardware costs by 2026, that strategy is breaking.
The Price Dilemma: Industry insiders are "debating" whether a 2027 launch is even feasible. Launching now could result in an "extortionate" retail price some analysts fear a $1,000+ price tag for a premium next gen Xbox if costs don't stabilize.
The Stockpile Advantage: Interestingly, leakers suggest Sony may have planned ahead better than Microsoft, acquiring large quantities of RAM when prices were low. This might be why the PS5 has seen more aggressive holiday discounts while Xbox prices have already increased twice in 2025.
Fan Reactions: "F**k AI" or "Wait and See"?
The gaming community is divided. Some see the delay as a blessing, arguing that current hardware hasn't even been fully utilized yet. "This generation might get a few games after all," noted one user, referencing the massive GTA 6 launch now slated for late 2026.
On the flip side, there is significant frustration. Many gamers are blaming the "AI boom" for hogging resources, with the hashtag #FuckAI trending in gaming circles. The idea that ChatGPT's server needs are making your next console more expensive is a tough pill to swallow.
What Does This Mean for You?
For now, the "safe bet" for a next-gen launch has shifted from 2027 to late 2028 or even 2029.
Current-Gen Longevity: Expect the PS5 and Xbox Series X to have a much longer "tail." Developers will likely focus on optimizing for these systems (and the PS5 Pro) for several more years.
The Switch 2 Factor: With the Nintendo Switch 2 already out (launched June 2025), Nintendo currently has the floor while the "Big Two" figure out their supply chains.
PC Upgrades: If you're a PC gamer, the "RAMageddon" is even more immediate. 32GB kits that were $150 earlier this year are now pushing $400+.
Final Thoughts
The intersection of AI and gaming is rewriting the rules. While AI might eventually give us smarter NPCs and better graphics, right now it’s mostly giving us a headache at the checkout counter.
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