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 on the PC market’s trajectory suggests a significant decline over the next two years, potentially explaining Sony’s recent strategic pivot. Analysts warn that rising costs and supply constraints could reshape the landscape for gamers, pushing high-end systems into the spotlight while leaving budget options in the rearview.
Memory Shortage Crisis
The past few months have seen growing concerns about gaming hardware’s future, driven by a critical shortage of memory components. AI firms are heavily investing in RAM and SSDs for their data centers, leaving fewer resources for other tech sectors like consoles and PCs. This scarcity has already sparked speculation about delays in the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox.
Price Escalation and Market Shift
With demand outpacing supply, remaining components are becoming increasingly costly. Fears persist that this situation could endure for a decade. By 2036, the report forecasts that most consumers may struggle to purchase new PCs, leading to a possible collapse in the entry-level hardware segment.
According to Gartner, memory prices are projected to surge by 23% this year, threatening the viability of low-margin devices. The firm predicts that manufacturers will abandon cheaper, lower-end PCs in favor of premium high-end setups, aligning with Microsoft’s hints about its next-generation 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 will disappear by 2028,” says Ranjit Atwal, senior director analyst at Gartner.
The report also suggests that Sony might abandon PC ports of single-player games, citing declining sales and a shrinking audience. This could accelerate the focus on PlayStation 5 and 6 exclusives. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s upcoming console is framed as a premium experience, while Valve’s Steam Machine remains a more affordable alternative, though its delayed launch is linked to the ongoing memory crisis.
Impact on Upgrades and Smartphone Sales
Higher PC prices are expected to deter upgrades, fundamentally altering consumer cycles. Similarly, entry-level smartphones may face reduced demand, prompting buyers to extend phone usage or opt for refurbished models. Gartner anticipates a 10.4% drop in global PC shipments and an 8.4% decline in smartphones, urging vendors to refine pricing strategies in 2026.
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Click here to enable Metro.co.uk in your Google Search results. The article highlights how the memory crisis could redefine competition, with Sony possibly viewing Xbox as a less formidable rival. Valve’s Steam Machine, though more accessible than Microsoft’s offering, still faces hurdles due to elevated production costs.
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