Gaming PCs Could Become Unaffordable for Most by 2028, Report Warns
A concerning report on the future of the PC market suggests it will shrink dramatically over the next two years, potentially justifying Sony's recent strategic shifts. For months, the gaming hardware industry has faced pessimistic forecasts, largely due to an ongoing memory shortage crisis.
Memory Shortages and AI Demand Drive Up Costs
AI companies are aggressively hoarding RAM and SSDs to power their data centers, leaving few components for other tech firms and console manufacturers. This scarcity is suspected to delay releases like the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox, while driving up prices for remaining stock. Fears persist that shortages could last up to a decade, exacerbating affordability issues.
By 2036, the situation may worsen, with predictions that most people won't be able to afford new PCs within two years. Consulting firm Gartner forecasts PC memory costs could rise by up to 23% this year, effectively eliminating entry-level hardware. Components are becoming so rare and expensive that companies may abandon cheaper devices in favor of high-end setups, a strategy Microsoft has hinted at for its next-gen Xbox.
Impact on Entry-Level Devices and Market Trends
Ranjit Atwal, a senior director analyst at Gartner, states, '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.' This shift could justify Sony's rumored plans to stop porting single-player games to PC, as PC sales decline and the audience shrinks, pushing Sony to focus on PlayStation exclusives.
Microsoft has acknowledged its next console will be a 'very premium, very high end curated experience,' while Valve's Steam Machine, though slightly more affordable, faces delays due to the memory crisis and won't be sold at a loss. Elsewhere, Gartner notes that price hikes will deter PC upgrades, altering upgrade cycles, and affect entry-level smartphones, prompting consumers to keep devices longer or opt for refurbished models.
Global Shipments and Recommendations
The report predicts global PC and smartphone shipments will drop by 10.4% and 8.4%, respectively, this year. Gartner advises vendors to 'optimise pricing' in the first half of 2026 to navigate these challenges. Overall, the gaming and tech landscapes are poised for significant transformation as affordability concerns mount.
