Gaming PCs will be too expensive for ordinary people by 2028 predicts report
Predictions Highlight Rising Costs of Gaming PCs for Average Consumers by 2028
A forthcoming analysis of the PC market suggests a significant decline in the coming years, potentially explaining Sony’s strategic realignment. Recent months have seen widespread concerns about gaming hardware’s future, driven by a critical memory shortage affecting the industry. AI firms are reportedly stockpiling RAM and SSDs for their data centers, leaving limited supplies for other manufacturers and console producers. This scarcity is believed to contribute to potential delays in the PlayStation 6 and upcoming Xbox models.
This has driven up the price of remaining inventory, with concerns that the shortage may persist for a decade or more. Yet, by 2036, the situation is expected to worsen significantly, with forecasts indicating that the majority of consumers may struggle to purchase new PCs in the near future. Gartner, a leading consultancy, forecasts a 23% rise in PC memory prices this year, signaling the potential demise of affordable entry-level hardware.
‘The steep price hikes eliminate vendors’ capacity to manage costs, rendering low-margin entry-level laptops unsustainable. Consequently, the sub-$500 (approximately £375) segment of entry-level PCs is anticipated to vanish by 2028,’ notes Ranjit Atwal, a senior analyst at Gartner.
With 2028 approaching, this trend could also support Sony’s rumored decision to halt single-player game ports to PC. As PC ports have already seen declining sales, shifting focus to PlayStation 5 and 6 exclusives may be a strategic move if the PC market stagnates or declines. Sony may no longer view the Xbox as a direct competitor, especially if the next-gen console evolves into a high-cost gaming PC. However, Valve’s Steam Machine is expected to offer a slightly more budget-friendly option, though its delayed launch is attributed to the ongoing memory shortage.
Microsoft has confirmed that its next console will target a ‘premium, high-end curated experience,’ whereas the Steam Machine is anticipated to cost more than standard consoles and will not be offered at a discount. Thus, affordability remains a challenge for both platforms. Gartner further highlights that escalating prices will discourage PC users from upgrading, ‘reshaping the typical upgrade cycle,’ and warns that entry-level smartphones may face similar challenges. Consumers might prolong phone usage or opt for refurbished models instead of purchasing new ones.
In summary, the report anticipates a 10.4% decline in global PC shipments and an 8.4% drop in smartphone sales by year’s end. Gartner advises manufacturers to ‘optimize pricing’ in the first half of 2026 to mitigate these effects.
