Sony, Microsoft Consider Delaying Next-Gen Consoles Over RAM Shortage

Reports indicate that major console manufacturers, including Sony and Microsoft, are considering delaying the launch of their next-generation systems due to a severe shortage of RAM driven by surging demand from the artificial intelligence sector. The anticipated PS6 and next Xbox, originally slated for a late 2027 release, could be pushed back to 2028 or later as companies weigh the costs of production amid escalating hardware prices.

The crisis stems from a rapid shift in the global memory market. In October 2025, key RAM producers allocated significant portions of their supply to AI infrastructure projects, including contracts with OpenAI that reportedly secured up to 40 percent of available memory from manufacturers like Samsung. This has constrained consumer and gaming sectors, causing RAM prices to more than triple in some cases. Industry analysts note that while consoles use specialized memory, they rely on the same limited pool of suppliers, leading to bottlenecks in chip production. A recent report from Micron, a major memory producer, projects the shortage persisting beyond 2026, as building new facilities for increased output will take time.