Gaming PCs will be too expensive for ordinary people by 2028 predicts report

Gaming PCs will be too expensive for ordinary people by 2028 predicts report

A report highlighting the PC market’s future challenges suggests a significant decline over the next two years, potentially aligning with Sony’s strategic adjustments. Recent months have seen growing concerns about gaming hardware’s future, driven by an ongoing memory shortage crisis affecting supply chains.

With AI firms securing a large portion of RAM and SSD components to support their data centers, the availability for other tech sectors has dwindled, contributing to delays in next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 6 and Xbox. This scarcity has driven up prices, prompting fears that shortages could persist for up to a decade. However, by 2036, the situation might worsen as entry-level PCs could become unaffordable for many consumers.

According to consulting firm Gartner, memory costs are projected to rise by 23% this year, leading to the disappearance of budget hardware. ‘This sharp increase removes vendors’ ability to absorb costs, making low-margin entry-level laptops nonviable. Ultimately, we expect the sub-$500 (about £375) entry-level PC segment will vanish by 2028,’ says senior director Ranjit Atwal.

2028 isn’t that far away, and this could explain Sony’s rumored decision to halt single-player game ports. Those PC releases have seen declining sales, and if the PC audience shrinks, it may justify Sony’s focus on traditional console exclusives for the PlayStation 5 and 6. Meanwhile, Microsoft has hinted at a premium, high-end console experience, while Valve’s Steam Machine faces delays due to the same memory crisis.

Microsoft acknowledges its next console will be a ‘very premium, very high end curated experience,’ and the Steam Machine is expected to cost more than standard consoles, with no plans to sell at a loss. This trend could impact smartphone shipments, as Gartner warns price hikes will discourage upgrades, shifting consumer behavior toward extended use of existing devices or refurbished options.

Overall, global PC and smartphone shipments are predicted to drop by 10.4% and 8.4% this year, respectively. Gartner advises vendors to ‘optimise pricing’ during the first half of 2026 to mitigate the effects of rising costs.

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‘This sharp increase removes vendors’ ability to absorb costs, making low-margin entry-level laptops nonviable. Ultimately, we expect the sub-$500 (about £375) entry-level PC segment will vanish by 2028,’ says senior director Ranjit Atwal.

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