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 new report warns of a significant decline in the PC market over the next two years, potentially explaining Sony’s strategic realignment. The forecast suggests a sharp reduction in accessible hardware, which could align with recent shifts in Sony’s approach to gaming platforms.
Memory shortages drive rising costs
Over the past months, concerns have mounted about the future of gaming hardware. These anxieties are fueled by a critical shortage of memory components, creating a bottleneck for manufacturers. AI firms are aggressively securing RAM and SSD supplies for their data centres, leaving fewer resources for other tech sectors, including console makers. This scarcity is believed to contribute to delays in the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox developments.
As demand outpaces supply, remaining stock is becoming increasingly costly. Fears persist that this shortage might persist for up to a decade. However, the situation is expected to worsen by 2036, when affordability of new PCs could reach a tipping point for many consumers.
Price hikes threaten entry-level devices
According to Gartner, memory prices are projected to rise by up to 23% this year. The firm predicts this surge will eliminate the viability of budget PCs, forcing manufacturers to abandon lower-end models. Instead, companies may focus on premium, high-end systems, a trend already hinted at by Microsoft with their upcoming console.
“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 to disappear by 2028,” says Ranjit Atwal, a senior analyst at Gartner.
2028 is not far off, and this scenario might also explain Sony’s rumored plans to halt PC ports of single-player games. These ports have reportedly seen declining sales, prompting the company to prioritise console exclusives on PlayStation 5 and 6. Meanwhile, Valve’s Steam Machine, though more affordable, faces delays attributed to the ongoing memory crisis.
Broader impacts on consumer tech
The report highlights that price hikes could disrupt more than just gaming hardware. PC owners may delay upgrades, altering typical purchasing cycles. Similarly, entry-level smartphones could suffer, with users either extending phone lifespans or opting for second-hand models instead of new purchases.
Gartner estimates global PC and smartphone shipments will fall by 10.4% and 8.4%, respectively, by year-end. To mitigate this, the firm advises vendors to refine their pricing strategies during the first half of 2026.
Sony might no longer view Xbox as a direct rival, especially if the next-gen console evolves into a high-cost alternative to gaming PCs. However, the Steam Machine’s delayed launch suggests it may not offer a cheaper solution, as it too is expected to exceed standard console prices.
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for exclusive insights into gaming, along with latest reviews and updates. Delivered every Saturday morning to your inbox.
Click here to subscribe and ensure Metro.co.uk appears first in Google Search.
ArrowMORE: How war is becoming “gamified” after the White House’s Call of Duty video edit
ArrowMORE: Pokémon Pokopia is a hit with fans who think it has Winds and Waves hints
ArrowMORE: Physical video game sales reach new low as report shows zero growth for industry
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
