Micron, one of many largest international producers of reminiscence, expects the continuing RAM scarcity to final by way of 2027. That is in accordance to Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, who stated in the corporate’s Q3 2026 earnings report at this time that the unprecedented demand dealing with the semiconductor business is not letting up any time quickly.
“We count on tight circumstances to persist past calendar 2027 because of AI-driven demand throughout all segments coupled with structural provide constraints,” Mehrotra stated.
Semiconductors, the chips used to manufacture pc {hardware} like RAM, the VRAM in graphics playing cards, and SSDs, have elevated considerably in value over the previous few years, primarily due to demand for his or her use in AI knowledge facilities. Micron itself exited the patron market late final yr, ending help for its consumer-facing model Essential, which made a number of of our favourite SSDs and RAM kits, in favor of its booming knowledge center-focused enterprise.
Because of this, many parts and methods used to construct gaming {hardware} – starting from RAM sticks alone all the best way up to full methods just like the PS5, Xbox Collection X, and Steam Machine – have additionally ballooned in value. The Steam Machine in explicit was initially supposed to be priced at round $750, however as a substitute launched at $1,050 due to the price of the underlying {hardware}.
Mehrotra’s feedback sadly imply the RAMpocalypse is not ending anytime quickly, and we will count on these elevated {hardware} costs to stick round.
“At the same time as we count on business provide to enhance steadily in 2028, we at present don’t have line of sight as to when reminiscence provide will probably be ready to meet up with growing demand,” Mehrotra stated.
Whereas solely time will inform, the best way issues are going actually would not bode effectively for the inevitable PlayStation 6 or Xbox Challenge Helix launching at an reasonably priced value level.
Bo Moore is IGN’s Senior Supervisor of Tech. You could find him on-line @usebomswisely.