In just three days, Valve, Apple, and Microsoft have applied increases of up to 20% on their consoles and computers. The reason is the global RAM crisis, where Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have redirected their production towards artificial intelligence, leaving the general consumer in the background. Buying technology becomes more expensive and scarce.
AI demand monopolizes chip manufacturing 🧠
Memory manufacturers have prioritized massive orders from data centers for artificial intelligence, displacing the production of DDR5 and VRAM modules for consumers. This industrial reallocation reduces the available supply for consoles and PCs, raising component costs. Unless chip manufacturing capacity is expanded, prices will remain high and availability will be limited for the end user.
Coming soon: consoles with integrated AI (and a gold-plated price tag) 💸
Now that RAM modules are worth their weight in liquid gold, it wouldn't be surprising if your next console comes with an AI capable of calculating the mortgage you need to buy it. Of course, the AI will suggest selling a kidney before waiting for a discount. In the meantime, we'll have to look at prices with the same nostalgia with which we remember gas at one euro.