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 concerning study on the PC market’s trajectory suggests a significant decline in the coming years, potentially explaining Sony’s recent strategic adjustments. Recent concerns about the gaming hardware landscape have grown, driven by an ongoing shortage of memory components that has disrupted supply chains.
AI firms are stockpiling RAM and SSDs to fuel their data centers, leaving fewer resources for other tech firms and console manufacturers. This scarcity is believed to contribute to potential delays in the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox models, as industry experts speculate on the challenges ahead.
The limited availability of key components has already driven up prices, with fears that this trend could persist for a decade. By 2028, the report forecasts that most individuals may struggle to afford new PCs, signaling a possible shift in consumer accessibility.
“This steep rise in costs erodes vendors’ capacity to absorb expenses, rendering low-margin entry-level laptops unviable. We anticipate the sub-$500 (approximately £375) PC category will vanish by 2028,” notes senior director Ranjit Atwal.
With the PC market shrinking, Sony might prioritize console-focused offerings, potentially halting PC porting for single-player titles. These ports have seen declining sales, and a diminishing user base could justify the company’s decision to concentrate on PlayStation 5 and 6 exclusives.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has confirmed its next console will emphasize a premium, high-end experience, aligning it more closely with a costly gaming PC. Valve’s Steam Machine, though budget-friendly in concept, faces delays linked to the memory crisis, making it less accessible.
Gartner also highlights that rising prices will deter PC upgrades, altering standard refresh cycles. This could extend to smartphones, where users may opt for refurbished options over new models. The report estimates a 10.4% drop in global PC shipments and an 8.4% decline in smartphone sales by year-end, urging vendors to streamline pricing strategies for the first half of 2026.
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