Samsung, Micron, SK Hynix sued over DRAM price-fixing triggering a ‘RAMpocalypse’ as memory prices soar

The big three RAM manufacturers, Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix, have been accused of colluding to restrict the supply of everyday DRAM chips used in everything from memory sticks to PCs, consoles, and smartphones. On June 25, 2026, a federal class-action lawsuit was filed against the big three in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

According to Law360, the lawsuit claims that the companies deliberately shifted toward manufacturing high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, especially for AI hyperscalers and enterprise users, effectively choking the production of consumer DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 RAM. This has led to what the plaintiffs call the “RAMpocalypse” that consumers are experiencing today.

As per Seeking Alpha, the plaintiffs include 14 individuals and three small PC businesses. The individuals allege that Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix, which effectively control around 90% of the global DRAM market, crushed “conventional” RAM production “in defiance of all economic and business logic.” This led to an estimated 700% price increase over four years.

Furthermore, they indicated that the barriers to entering the industry, with new fabs costing $15–20 billion and taking many years to build, mean that no competitor would emerge to compete in the DRAM market. The lawsuit, presented by antitrust firm Bathaee Dunne LLP, seeks class-action status, an injunction against future alleged price-fixing, and damages.

Micron publicly exited the consumer DRAM industry in December 2025, according to a statement. The EVP and Chief Business Officer at Micron Technology stated:

“The AI-driven growth in the data center has led to a surge in demand for memory and storage. Micron has made the difficult decision to exit the Crucial consumer business in order to improve supply and support for our larger, strategic customers in faster-growing segments.” The lawsuit also referenced this public announcement, describing it as coming at Micron’s “most profitable point in its history.”

This lawsuit looms large as consumer tech companies and businesses continue to feel the squeeze, especially console manufacturers such as Sony, Nintendo, and Xbox, which have announced price hikes across their lineups. Nintendo will raise the price of the Switch 2 by $50, increasing it to $499.99 from $449.99.

Earlier in May, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa also weighed in on the issue and said:

“Unfortunately, the recent surge in memory and other component prices, and the changes in the market environment, including trends in the foreign exchange market and the price of oil, are all factors that we anticipate will continue over the medium to long term… For the sustained growth of our dedicated video game platform business, it is important to maintain a healthy earnings structure for our overall business.”