Samsung has issued a warning that could mean the price of console gaming could rise for gamers around the world. While Samsung doesn't make any traditional gaming consoles itself, the company makes and works with all kinds of components and electronics, which lends credence to its claims.
It's no secret to avid gamers that the hobby is getting expensive. In addition to some games selling at higher prices than expected, gamers have also been exposed to console price hikes regardless of whether they prefer PlayStation or Xbox. The Switch 2 is also significantly more expensive than its predecessor, making all three main current-gen consoles less affordable. Unfortunately, for console gamers, things may get worse before they get better.
Samsung has hiked DDR5 RAM prices by more than 100 percent amid the ongoing crisis
Samsung has effectively doubled the prices of its DDR5 RAM kits that it makes for various companies, further exacerbating the computer component crisis.
Samsung warns of rising prices
Now, during CES 2026, Samsung has warned consumers that due to the rising cost of DRAM and continued shortages, the price of TVs is likely to increase. Samsung Co-CEO TM Roh explained that numerous electronics, including phones, home appliances and televisions, are likely to see their prices rise in response to the rising cost of the electronic components that go into them. Wonjin Lee, Samsung's head of global marketing, told Bloomberg in an interview that there will be “issues” with semiconductor supplies that will affect everyone, likely forcing Samsung to raise its prices to offset the rising cost of the components that go into them.
Using a screen of some kind – whether a TV or a monitor – is a must for gaming on most home consoles, which can be a problem for gamers. Those planning to upgrade their screens or whose TVs break in the near future may face higher prices for a new one, making it more difficult to afford. With that in mind, those in the market for a new TV might want to consider grabbing any good deals before it's too late, as these prices may be a thing of the past.
Why are electronic components becoming more and more expensive?
The problem with the production of televisions and the increase in the cost of their parts is only one symptom of an ongoing problem. Demand for semiconductors, DRAMs, drives and other computer and server components is growing due to the recent push of AI technology. Artificial intelligence like ChatGPT and Gemini require a lot of computing power to work, to the point that OpenAI once lamented that its GPUs were melting due to the popularity of the Ghibli AI art trend in 2025. With the introduction of more advanced AI video and image generation and the integration of AI into everything from mobile phones to search engines, the demand is only getting worse.
Unfortunately, gaming will feel the pressure from this demand in more ways than just raising TV prices. An AI-driven RAM crisis could lead to further price rises for consoles, and PCs aren't any better, as the cost of both RAM and GPUs make it more expensive to build or buy a PC. Some of those living in states with AI data centers have also seen higher electricity bills, further exacerbating the problem.
To make matters worse, gaming could see more AI-related issues in the future due to component demand. Recent reports suggest that the next generation of gaming consoles, namely the PlayStation 6 and the successor to the Xbox Series X/S, could be delayed due to lack of RAM and cost. Valve's upcoming Steam Machine might not be a more affordable option, with recent reports suggesting that the Steam Machine could cost anywhere from $800 to $900, depending on whether gamers buy the 512GB or 2TB version.
Regardless of how players choose to play, the hobby could soon become more expensive across the board.
Source: Reuters
