Samsung has issued a warning that could mean the price of console games could increase for gamers everywhere. Although Samsung doesn't make any traditional game consoles itself, the company produces and works with all kinds of parts and electronics, lending credibility to its claims.
It's no secret to die-hard gamers that the hobby is getting more expensive. In addition to some games selling at higher prices than expected, gamers have also been hit with console price hikes whether they prefer PlayStation or Xbox. The Switch 2 is also significantly more expensive than its predecessor, making all three of the major current-gen consoles less accessible. Unfortunately, it could get worse for console gamers before it gets better.
Samsung has raised its DDR5 RAM prices by more than 100 percent amid ongoing crisis
Samsung has effectively doubled the prices of its DDR5 RAM kits that it does for various companies, further exacerbating the crisis in the PC segment.
Samsung warns of rising prices
Now, during CES 2026, Samsung has warned consumers that the price of TVs is likely to increase due to the increasing price of DRAM and ongoing shortages. Samsung co-CEO TM Roh explained that many electronics, including phones, home appliances and TVs, are likely to see their prices rise in response to the rising costs of the electronic components that go into them. Speaking to Bloomberg, Wonjin Lee, head of global marketing at Samsung, said there would be “issues” with semiconductor accessories that will affect everyone, likely pushing Samsung to raise its prices to offset the rising costs of the parts that go into them.
Using a screen of some kind – whether it's a TV or monitor – is a necessity for gaming on most home consoles, which can pose a problem for gamers. Those who plan to upgrade their screens or see their TVs fail in the near future may face higher prices for a new one, making it more difficult to afford. With that in mind, those looking for a new TV might want to consider grabbing a good deal they see before it's too late, as those prices may be a thing of the past.
Why electronic parts are getting more expensive
The problem of manufacturing TVs and the increased cost of their parts is only a symptom of an ongoing problem. Demand for semiconductors, DRAM, devices and other computer and server parts has increased due to the recent push of AI technology. Making AI like ChatGPT and Gemini work requires a lot of computing power, 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, plus the integration of AI into everything from cell phones to search engines, the demand is only getting worse.
Unfortunately, the game will feel the pinch from this demand in more ways than just increasing TV prices. The AI-driven RAM crisis could lead to further price hikes for consoles, and PCs aren't faring any better, with the price of both RAM and GPUs making building or buying a PC more expensive. Some of those who live in states with AI data centers have also seen higher utility bills, further exacerbating the problem.
To make matters worse, the game may see more problems in the future connected to the AI due to the demand for parts. New reports suggest that the next generation of gaming consoles, namely the PlayStation 6 and the follow-up to the Xbox Series X/S, may be delayed due to RAM shortages and costs. Valve's upcoming Steam Machine might not be a more affordable choice, with recent reports suggesting that the Steam Machine could cost anywhere from $800 to $900, depending on whether gamers buy the 512GB or 2TB versions.
Regardless of how players choose to play, the hobby could soon become more expensive across the board.
Source: Reuters
