Gaming PCs will be too expensive for ordinary people by 2028 predicts report
Report Predicts Gaming PCs May Become Unaffordable for Average Consumers by 2028
A concerning analysis of the PC market’s trajectory suggests it could significantly contract within the next two years, potentially aligning with Sony’s strategic pivot. The study highlights how rising component costs might push gaming PCs beyond the reach of everyday users, marking a pivotal shift in the industry.
Market Trends and Component Shortages
Recent months have seen growing concerns about the future of gaming hardware, fueled by a critical shortage of memory chips. This crisis has left tech companies scrambling for essential components, with AI firms and console manufacturers competing for RAM and SSD supplies. Such competition is thought to contribute to delays in the PlayStation 6 and next-generation Xbox developments.
Industry Responses and Strategic Shifts
The scarcity of components has already driven up prices, raising fears that supply issues could persist for a decade. By 2036, the report warns that most consumers may struggle to afford new PCs, prompting a reevaluation of product strategies. Microsoft, for instance, has indicated its next console will focus on premium, high-end experiences, while Valve’s Steam Machine, though slightly more budget-friendly, still faces delays due to the same memory constraints.
Expert Insights on Affordability
According to Gartner, memory prices are projected to rise by up to 23% this year, threatening the viability of budget PCs. ‘The steep rise in costs eliminates vendors’ capacity to offset expenses, rendering low-margin entry-level laptops unsustainable,’ explains senior director Ranjit Atwal. By 2028, the sub-$500 PC segment could vanish entirely, leaving only high-end configurations for sale.
Implications for Game Porting and Consumer Behavior
This trend may also explain Sony’s rumored plan to reduce PC game porting. With PC ports already showing declining sales, the company could prioritize console exclusives to attract players to its PlayStation 5 and 6. Meanwhile, Gartner warns that rising prices will deter PC owners from upgrading, fundamentally altering traditional upgrade cycles. The same issue is expected to affect smartphones, as consumers opt to keep older devices or pursue refurbished options.
Projected Market Decline and Recommendations
The report forecasts a 10.4% drop in PC shipments and an 8.4% decline in smartphones globally this year. To counteract these trends, Gartner advises vendors to ‘optimise pricing’ in the first half of 2026. Despite these challenges, the Steam Machine remains a costly alternative to standard consoles, unlikely to offer significant savings for buyers.
‘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.
As the industry grapples with these changes, the question remains whether affordable gaming hardware will become a relic of the past. For now, the focus is on adapting to a market where premium options dominate, and budget-friendly devices struggle to keep pace.
Read more about how the memory crisis is reshaping the gaming landscape.
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