Tag: RAM shortage

  • Sony May Delay PS6 Launch to 2029 Over Memory Shortages

    Sony May Delay PS6 Launch to 2029 Over Memory Shortages

    Key Takeaways

    1. The tech sector is facing significant shortages and rising prices for memory, particularly RAM.
    2. Sony is considering delaying the release of its next-generation PlayStation console to 2028 or 2029.
    3. This delay marks a shift from previous expectations of a late 2027 launch.
    4. A postponed release could disrupt Sony’s strategy to maintain user engagement across console generations.
    5. The anticipated PS6 may require 30GB of GDDR7 RAM, which could lead to higher prices if released during a memory shortage.

    The tech sector is currently facing significant shortages and increasing prices for memory. RAM costs have surged rapidly, impacting GPUs, SSDs, and various other hardware. Now, due to this ongoing memory crisis, it appears that Sony might have to postpone the release of its next-generation console.

    Possible Delay for PlayStation

    A recent report from Bloomberg reveals that Sony Group Corp is thinking about delaying the launch of its upcoming PlayStation console until 2028 or even 2029. This marks a notable shift from prior expectations, which suggested a launch in late 2027.

    “According to sources close to the company, Sony Group Corp. is now contemplating a delay in the introduction of its next PlayStation console to 2028 or 2029. This would disrupt a carefully planned strategy aimed at maintaining user engagement across different hardware generations,” Bloomberg stated.

    Impact on Sony’s Strategy

    Bloomberg mentions that such a delay would interfere with Sony’s typical console launch strategy. The company usually organizes its hardware releases meticulously to keep players interested between console generations. Pushing back the PS6 by one or two years would represent a considerable change, but releasing it during a memory shortage could lead to a price tag that’s much higher than Sony desires. Previous leaks suggested that the PS6 is anticipated to come with 30GB of GDDR7 RAM, which is 14GB more than what the current PS5 offers.

    Bloomberg’s report reveals the potential challenges ahead for Sony in an increasingly competitive gaming landscape.

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  • Xbox Price Increase Likely Due to RAM Shortages Affecting Consoles

    Xbox Price Increase Likely Due to RAM Shortages Affecting Consoles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft may raise Xbox console prices due to ongoing RAM shortages, while Sony is better positioned to keep PS5 prices steady.
    2. The RAM shortage is largely caused by high demand from AI data centers, impacting components like graphics cards and gaming consoles.
    3. Sony has a reserve of GDDR6 SDRAM, allowing them to avoid immediate price increases and even offer discounts.
    4. Xbox Series X prices have risen to $649.99, up from $499.99 at launch, contributing to low sentiment among Xbox fans.
    5. The memory crisis may also affect the Valve Steam Machine, with potential supply issues and rapid sellouts of available stock.

    It’s tough to think that Xbox console prices could go up even more, but a recent report indicates that Microsoft might feel it has no choice. According to Moore’s Law Is Dead, the company is really worried about the ongoing RAM shortages. In contrast, Sony seems to be in a better position to handle the situation, which is helping it keep PS5 prices steady.

    Impact of Low Memory Supply

    The latest video from Moore’s Law Is Dead shows how a shortage of memory is affecting consumers. A lot of the issues are linked to OpenAI’s Stargate project, which is estimated to have taken up 40% of the world’s DRAM supply. As AI data centers demand faster memory, manufacturers are shifting their focus. Consequently, components like graphics cards, SSDs, and gaming consoles that rely on this memory might also see price increases.

    Sony’s Advantage

    Sources from MLID suggest that Sony is in a stronger position regarding the RAM shortage. With a reserve of GDDR6 SDRAM, they’re able to avoid immediate price increases for PS5 consoles. This strategy has even allowed them to offer discounts on the gaming systems for Black Friday. On the flip side, Microsoft is said to have not “planned ahead at all.”

    Microsoft is now informing its partners that further price hikes for Xbox consoles are likely. Some retailers are already out of stock, and the demand for the consoles could completely drop off.

    Current Xbox Pricing and Fan Sentiment

    The mood among Xbox fans is at a very low point. The price for the Xbox Series X is currently $649.99 for the disc version, compared to a more affordable $499.99 at its 2020 launch. To add to the disappointment, Game Pass subscriptions have also become pricier. Without new exclusive games, there’s even less reason to invest in the hardware.

    Moore’s Law Is Dead is unsure how this memory shortage will affect the Valve Steam Machine. If it is a contributing factor, buyers might see a strong initial supply sell out quickly with no restock in the near future.

    Neither Microsoft nor Sony has made any statements regarding the growing memory crisis. Regardless, with DDR5 memory prices skyrocketing, some gamers are quickly buying up any components that might be affected.

     

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