Microsoft may soon raise the prices of its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles again, following reports of a global RAM shortage. The claim comes from tech YouTuber Moore’s Law is Dead, who discussed the issue in a recent video titled OpenAI RAM Hoarding Leak. He referenced information from several sources across retail, memory manufacturing, and industry partners.
According to these sources, DRAM prices are rising rapidly, and OpenAI has reportedly secured long-term supply deals with Samsung and SK hynix. These agreements are said to give OpenAI access to a significant share of the world’s DRAM supply, putting pressure on the rest of the market. As a result, Microsoft may be forced to either raise prices or risk running out of stock.
The YouTuber’s sources claim the situation could escalate quickly. They reported comments from sales representatives who allegedly warned retailers that the Xbox Series consoles could be affected “very, very soon”. One source stated: “[Microsoft] didn’t plan at all, apparently… If you still want an Xbox for some reason at their current pricing, those prices could go up soon, or supply could just entirely dry up.”
Sony reportedly shielded from immediate impact
While Microsoft may face challenges maintaining console prices, the situation appears different for Sony. Moore’s Law is Dead said that Sony avoided similar risks by securing RAM supply early, which may protect the PlayStation 5 from price increases for the immediate future.
“From what I’ve heard, Sony planned, bought up gobs of RAM near the bottom of the pricing, and thus they should be fine for months,” he explained. He added that Sony has “plenty of GDDR6” available, which could allow the company to maintain or even reduce pricing in the short term.
The YouTuber suggested that this planning may be one reason Sony cut PlayStation 5 prices for Black Friday. He noted that the price reductions were not simply a reaction to poor sales but rather a strategic move made possible by their secure RAM supply. “They can afford to do it; apparently, they are not worried about the RAM shortage, at least in the short- to mid-term,” he said.
Potential third price increase for Xbox in a turbulent year
If Microsoft raises prices again, it would mark the third increase this year. The company raised the cost of all Xbox Series X and Series S models by US$100 in May. A second increase followed in September, adding US$70 to the price, depending on the model.
These challenges come during an already eventful year for Microsoft’s gaming division. In October, the company implemented significant changes to Xbox Game Pass, introducing three updated subscription tiers and raising the price of the Ultimate plan. The cost of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate rose to US$29.99 per month, up from US$19.99. Annual memberships are not currently available.
With hardware supply concerns, rising component prices, and subscription changes occurring in quick succession, Microsoft may face difficult decisions as it moves into the new year. Whether the reported RAM shortage will directly impact console pricing remains unconfirmed, but multiple industry sources suggest that the possibility is becoming increasingly likely.
