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| PlayStation and Xbox logos seen underneath Micron GDDR7 DRAM |
For gamers eagerly awaiting the next leap in console gaming, a looming crisis in the global memory market could mean a longer wait than expected. With record-high prices for DRAM, the essential memory used in everything from graphics cards to game consoles, industry insiders are now warning that the planned release windows for the PlayStation 6 and the next-generation Xbox are now "in jeopardy."
According to a new report, the situation has become serious enough that manufacturers are actively debating potential delays.
The Insider’s Warning: A Console Generation at a Crossroads
The concerning update comes from reputable leaker and insider Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming. Henderson is verifying that high-level conversations about postponing the next console generation have begun behind closed doors.
Initially speculated on a recent industry podcast, the idea is now gaining traction as a very real possibility. Henderson states that the “situation has led console manufacturers to debate whether the next generation of consoles should be delayed from their intended 2027-2028 release window.”
You can read Henderson’s full report on the implications of soaring RAM prices right here: Insider Gaming: Soaring RAM Prices Could Impact Next-Gen Consoles.
Why Memory Prices Threaten Your Future Console
The root of the problem lies in a perfect storm of constrained supply and exploding demand. Both the next Xbox and the PS6 are widely expected to utilize cutting-edge GDDR7 memory for blazing-fast graphics performance. However, the same type of DRAM chips are also critically needed for PC graphics cards (VRAM) and the DDR5 memory used in modern PCs and servers.
Currently, major suppliers like Samsung and SK Hynix are prioritizing production to feed the seemingly insatiable needs of AI data centers, leaving less capacity for other sectors. While there is hope that memory prices will moderate as production eventually ramps up, the timeline for that relief is uncertain.
The alternative for Sony and Microsoft would be to simply launch the consoles at a significantly higher price—a move that could backfire spectacularly in a cost-sensitive market.
The Domino Effect: Extending the Current Generation
The podcast discussion, which you can watch in full via this YouTube link, also explored how Sony and Microsoft might navigate the next several years.
With recent reports of a surprising slowdown in U.S. console sales for the 2023 holiday season, launching prohibitively expensive new hardware could further hurt revenue. Instead, the panel suggested that the companies might be forced to extend the lifecycle of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
This could involve more aggressive discounting and promotions to maintain sales momentum. However, with component costs also rising for these older devices, significant price cuts may be challenging. In a twist, leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead has even hinted that Microsoft may be forced to raise the price of its existing Xbox Series consoles if the cost crisis deepens.
The Ripple Goes Beyond Consoles
It’s not just traditional console makers feeling the pinch. Valve’s highly anticipated compact Steam Machine, a Linux-based PC gaming device, is also reportedly threatened by the astronomical cost of DDR5 RAM. Rumblings suggest its expected Q1 2026 release window could be delayed as a result.
The Bottom Line for Gamers
For now, the industry is playing a tense waiting game. The dream of a 2027 launch for the PS6 or the next Xbox is now under a cloud of real economic uncertainty. Gamers may need to brace for a longer stay in the current generation, with manufacturers hoping that the memory market cools down in time to keep their ambitious next-gen roadmaps on track.