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Samsung Issues Important Warning: Console Gaming is Going to Get More Expensive
Gamers may need to brace themselves for a higher cost to enjoy their favorite hobby, if a new warning from Samsung is any indication.
gamerant.com
Samsung has issued a warning that could mean the price of console gaming could increase for players everywhere. While Samsung doesn't produce any traditional game consoles itself, the company produces and works with all kinds of parts and electronics, giving credence to its claims.
It's no secret to avid gamers that the hobby is becoming more expensive. In addition to some games being sold at higher prices than expected, gamers have also been subjected to price hikes on consoles regardless of whether they prefer PlayStation or Xbox. The Switch 2 is also considerably more expensive than its predecessor, making all three of the major current-gen consoles less accessible. Unfortunately, matters could get worse for console gamers before they get better.
Samsung Warns of Increasing Prices
Now, during CES 2026, Samsung has warned consumers that, due to the increasing price of DRAM and ongoing shortages, the price of TVs will likely increase. The co-CEO of Samsung, TM Roh, explained that numerous electronics, including phones, home appliances, and TVs will likely see their price go up in response to the increasing cost of the electronic components that go into them. Speaking to Bloomberg, Wonjin Lee, head of global marketing at Samsung, said that there would be "issues" with semiconductor supplies that will impact everyone, which will likely drive Samsung to increase its prices to compensate for the increasing cost of the parts going into them.
Using a screen of some kind — whether a TV or monitor — is a necessity for gaming on the majority of home consoles, which could pose a problem for gamers. Those who are planning to upgrade their screens or who see their TVs fail in the near future may be facing higher prices for a new one, making it more difficult to afford. With that in mind, those who are looking for a new TV may want to consider grabbing any good deal they see before it's too late, as those prices may become a thing of the past.
Why Electronic Parts are Getting More Expensive
The issue with manufacturing TVs and the increase in cost of their parts is only one symptom of an ongoing problem. The demand for semiconductors, DRAM, drives, and other computer and server parts have been going up due to the recent push of AI technology. In order for AI like ChatGPT and Gemini to work, plenty of computing power is required, 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, gaming will feel the pinch from this demand in more ways than just increasing TV prices. The AI-fueled RAM crisis may lead to further price increases for consoles, and PCs aren't faring any better, with the price of RAM and GPUs alike making building or buying a PC more expensive. Some of those who live in states with AI data centers have also seen bigger electricity bills, compounding the problem further.
To make matters worse, gaming could see more problems in the future tied to AI due to the demand for parts. Recent reports indicate that the next generation of game consoles, namely the PlayStation 6 and the follow-up to the Xbox Series X/S, could be delayed due to RAM shortages and cost. Valve's upcoming Steam Machine might not be a more affordable choice, with recent reports indicating that the Steam Machine could cost anywhere from $800 to $900, depending on whether players buy the 512GB or 2TB versions.
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