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 recent analysis of the PC market forecasts a significant decline over the next two years, potentially explaining Sony’s strategic adjustments. The report highlights that rising costs could push gaming PCs beyond the reach of average consumers, reshaping the industry landscape.
Recent months have seen increasing concerns about the future of gaming hardware, driven by a critical shortage of memory components. AI firms are stockpiling memory modules and solid-state drives to fuel their data centers, leaving fewer resources for other tech manufacturers and console developers. This scarcity has driven up the cost of remaining inventory, with fears that the crisis might persist for a decade or more.
As a result, even the most affordable PC options may become unattainable for many. Gartner, a leading consulting firm, warns that memory prices could surge by up to 23% this year, effectively eliminating entry-level hardware from the market. “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 senior director analyst Ranjit Atwal.
Analysts speculate that this trend might also justify Sony’s plan to stop porting single-player games to PC. These ports have been declining in sales, and if the PC audience stagnates or shrinks, focusing on console exclusives could be a logical move. Meanwhile, Microsoft has acknowledged its next-gen console will offer a “very premium, very high end curated experience,” while Valve’s Steam Machine is expected to remain pricier than standard consoles, avoiding losses in the process.
Elsewhere, the report suggests that escalating costs will deter PC owners from upgrading, “fundamentally altering upgrade cycles.” It also forecasts a similar impact on smartphones, with users either extending phone lifespans or opting for refurbished models instead of new purchases. Gartner recommends vendors adjust pricing strategies during the first half of 2026 to mitigate the downturn.
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 senior director analyst Ranjit Atwal.
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Subscribe to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. The report also notes that the memory shortage could delay PlayStation 6 and next-gen Xbox releases, as manufacturers struggle to secure components.
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