Console manufacturers are debating delays to next-generation Xbox and PlayStation consoles from the 2027-2028 release window due to surging RAM prices driven by AI demand, according to insider Tom Henderson’s report on Insider Gaming.
In November, a YouTube channel known as Moore’s Law Is Dead issued a report warning that prices for the Xbox Series X|S could rise once more because of ongoing RAM shortages. The report expressed concern that these shortages might also postpone the release of the next Xbox console. This development highlighted vulnerabilities in hardware supply chains affecting current and future gaming hardware.
Tom Henderson, a well-known industry insider, provided an update through Insider Gaming. He stated that manufacturers are considering postponing next-gen consoles in anticipation that RAM producers will expand production capacity. This strategy aims to allow RAM prices to decrease prior to launch timelines.
Henderson elaborated with the following statement: “From what we understand, the situation has led console manufacturers to debate whether the next generation of consoles should be delayed from their intended 2027-2028 release window, with the hope that RAM manufacturers will be able to build out their infrastructure to produce more RAM, thereby allowing prices to drop.”
The insider also addressed impacts on existing hardware, noting potential price increases for the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. For upcoming next-gen models, Henderson indicated they could carry “extortionate” price tags upon release.
The root cause traces to explosive demand for artificial intelligence applications. This demand has driven RAM module prices upward by several hundred percent over the past few months, straining availability for consumer electronics like gaming consoles.
Recent rumors position Microsoft’s next Xbox console for a 2027 debut. Speculation previously suggested an announcement aligned with Xbox’s 25th anniversary on November 15, 2026. Persistent RAM constraints now raise the possibility of a shift to 2028 or beyond for the launch.
