Artificial Intelligence is poised to disrupt the supply chain for computer components, likely leading to significant RAM shortages and subsequently inflating prices for new products. While many consumer electronics have felt these pressures, the gaming sector appears particularly affected. New consoles from Valve’s Steam hardware division have encountered hurdles, and Nvidia’s plans for gaming GPUs have also stalled, with little hope for recovery in the near future.
Nvidia’s Delayed GPU Plans
Nvidia is among the most valuable companies today, reaching, well, 5th place in terms of valuation. This surge is largely fueled by GPUs designed for AI; however, the company has its roots in gaming. They are recognized for creating some of the best gaming GPUs available, and their hardware is the benchmark that most game developers rely on. Still, gaming isn’t as financially rewarding as the vast amounts big tech firms allocate for the finest systems to train AI models.
Nvidia’s supply challenges have forced tough choices. Should they keep profiting behind the scenes of larger tech spheres, or invest in gamers craving superior graphics? Unfortunately, they seem to be leaning towards the former.
A recent report paints a negative picture for Nvidia’s gaming GPUs. The absence of new GPU announcements at CES this January was the first warning sign. Since then, we’ve also learned that the RTX 50 Super Series Refresh has seen delays, and the next-gen RTX 60 series launch is not expected until 2027 or even 2028.
This leaves Nvidia’s gaming GPUs virtually frozen, compelling gamers to rely on equipment that’s already a year outdated and on the verge of obsolescence. That said, the 50 Series is still quite powerful, but it means that industry innovation might lag until Nvidia refocuses on its gaming heritage, rather than just its flashy AI initiatives.
Valve’s Steam Machine Delay
On another front, Valve seems to be on a winning streak with its handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck, which has garnered positive reception globally. This success motivated Valve to restart development on a full TV console named Steam Machine.
The Steam Machine is envisioned as a hybrid between a PC and a console, operated on SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based gaming platform. It’s been suggested that this could potentially outperform Windows in several gaming aspects. Predicting whether the sequel will be more successful than the first iteration is tricky. However, the initial reception of the Steam Deck suggests it might be a hit.
The downside? The Steam Machine, initially slated for a release in early 2026, has been postponed—again due to RAM shortages. Some estimates hint at a mid-year launch, but Valve hasn’t confirmed this timeline. There’s also no word on the pricing, which could rise due to fluctuating RAM costs.
Compounding the issue, the Steam Deck has disappeared from store shelves, raising questions about Valve’s overall console strategies.
OEMs Respond
Some OEMs are scrambling to navigate around RAM shortages to keep their product plans intact, but the trade-offs could harm their reputations. Companies like Dell, ASUS, and HP are reportedly sourcing laptop RAM from lesser-known Chinese suppliers, stepping outside their usual supply chains.
This could lower RAM costs and increase availability, yet memory from these vendors hasn’t been thoroughly vetted for use in branded computers. That uncertainty raises questions about performance and potential security risks.
What Can Gamers Do?
All of this places gamers in a challenging spot. There are delays in hardware, market constraints, and potential low-quality RAM solutions—all coupled with rising prices. Upgrading or repairing older setups is growing more complex.
The situation is particularly grim, as the RAM shortage could linger until 2028. If this persists, less stock will be afloat, and prices for current hardware may soar to even higher levels. Gamers may find themselves unable to acquire necessary gear due to the imbalance of supply and demand.
Currently, gamers can consider three choices:
- Hope their current rigs hold up until the end of the decade when these issues hopefully resolve.
- Try cloud gaming. Renting might be simpler until things normalize, yet this takes away a bit of ownership, leaving players subject to a company’s restrictions, which could even include biometric access in the future.
- Purchase new gear now—if it’s available.
Why You Should Consider Buying Now
If you’re seeking a 50 series GPU or a new Steam Deck, you might be out of luck. However, for anyone hunting for gaming laptops, there’s a glimmer of hope.
Since Nvidia didn’t roll out new GPUs in 2026, most “new” gaming laptops debuting this year are just minor updates. Rather than waiting, last year’s models equipped with the same GPU are still on the market and easily accessible.
Personally, I took advantage of this situation and snagged a 2025 ROG Zephyrus G14 featuring a top-notch 5070 Ti before the RAM shortage. This seemed far more strategic than getting the pricier 2026 model, which might come with subpar internal parts and delayed release dates. Given today’s market shifts, I feel quite satisfied with my choice.
Ultimately, every gamer has to weigh their options, but one thing is evident: if you don’t make a move on new hardware now, you could be left waiting a long time for better upgrades. And in the fast-moving realm of video games, that could feel like an eternity.
