Xbox price increase possible as RAM shortages hit Microsoft's consoles harder than PS5
Xbox Series S and X consoles are shown (Image source: Xbox Wire with edits)
The already high Xbox Series X price may inflate even further. Moore’s Law Is Dead reveals that Microsoft is warning partners that RAM shortages will force another increase. Sony is less likely to change the PS5 price, as it has amassed an emergency supply of GDDR6 SDRAM.
It’s hard to imagine Xbox console prices rising any higher, but a new report suggests Microsoft may feel that it has no option. Moore’s Law Is Dead has learned that the company has serious concerns about the ongoing RAM shortages. Meanwhile, Sony is apparently better prepared for the predicament, allowing it to keep PS5 prices stable.
The new Moore’s Law Is Dead video highlights the cascading effects of a low memory supply on consumers. Many of the problems are attributed to OpenAI's Stargate project. It’s believed that the initiative has consumed 40% of the global DRAM stock. Flourishing AI data centers are starving for faster memory, prompting manufacturers to change their priorities. As a result, the graphics cards, SSDs, and gaming consoles that use these components may also become more expensive.
According to MLID’s sources, Sony is better positioned to handle the RAM shortage. With a stockpile of GDDR6 SDRAM, it can avoid another immediate price hike on PS5 consoles. The insider notes that this foresight has enabled the company to discount the gaming systems for Black Friday. Microsoft, on the other hand, “didn’t plan ahead at all”.
Microsoft is reportedly telling its partners that more Xbox console price hikes are likely. With some retailers already no longer selling the systems, demand for the machines could evaporate entirely.
Can Xbox consoles survive another price increase?
The morale of many Xbox fans is at an all-time low. The Xbox Series X price now stands at $649.99 for the disc version. When launching in 2020, the console cost a more reasonable $499.99. Adding to the misery, Game Pass subscriptions are also more costly. Without new exclusive games, there is also less incentive to invest in the hardware.
Moore’s Law Is Dead is less certain about how the memory scarcity will affect the Valve Steam Machine. If the shortage is a factor, buyers could see a healthy initial supply sell out without a restock in the short term.
Neither Microsoft nor Sony has commented on the worsening memory crisis. Nevertheless, with DDR5 memory costs skyrocketing, some gamers are scooping up any components that may be impacted.
Adam Corsetti - Tech Writer - 793 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I'm anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
