Nintendo stock falls more than Sony's, with PS5 less vulnerable to memory shortage than Switch 2

Japanese gaming journalist and author Tane Kiyoshi has offered his insight into the struggles of Nintendo stock. In a Yahoo Japan article, he attributes the downturn partly to uncertainty surrounding the memory shortage. While reports suggest that PlayStation stockpiled GDDR6 RAM for the PS5, there is more doubt about preparations for the Switch 2.

The Nintendo stock price has fallen by about 33% from its high-water mark in August 2025. Meanwhile, even as hardware sales decline, Sony investors have seen a less dramatic drop-off. Kiyoshi believes that the inflated memory market is making Nintendo supporters cautious. Without a steady supply of critical components, there is a risk of a Switch 2 price increase.

In November, insider Moore’s Law Is Dead revealed that the PS5 manufacturer had secured ample amounts of GDDR6 memory. As a result, the console is less likely to see price hikes, and the company was able to advertise holiday discounts.

How much memory Nintendo has stashed is unclear

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently commented on whether the crisis would impact its finances. He explained that his response will involve “advancing component procurement over the medium to long term.” However, LPDDR5X makers like Samsung and SK Hynix are reluctant to offer anything beyond short-term contracts. Kiyoshi argues that the ailing Nintendo stock reflects the difficulties the company faces.

The Switch 2 is also at a more critical point in its lifecycle than the PS5. Sony’s console has a large user base and can withstand a prolonged drop in sales. Nintendo is still trying to convert reluctant Switch owners, which would be easier with system-selling Switch 2 games. 2026 should have an abundant selection of titles, but neither a 3D Mario nor a mainline Zelda release has a firm date.

As the Yahoo Japan article notes, Nintendo’s fortunes depend mainly on its gaming products. On the other hand, PlayStation heavily influences Sony’s stock, but the company also has more diverse holdings. Regardless, a PS5 or Switch 2 price increase would hit gamers hard who are already contending with a difficult economy.