If you have been waiting to pull the trigger on a PS5 Pro, an Xbox Series X, or a high-performance Blackwell gaming laptop, the clock officially runs out today. As the massive PlayStation Store Holiday Sale and Best Buy’s Winter Event enter their final hours this Wednesday, January 21, 2026, market analysts are sounding the alarm on a catastrophic shift in the hardware market. A looming "RAMpocalypse"—fueled by an insatiable AI industry—is poised to send component prices soaring, making today likely the last day to secure gaming gear at reasonable rates before a predicted 30% mid-year price hike.

The "RAMpocalypse" is Real: Why Gaming Hardware Prices Are Increasing in 2026

The term "RAMpocalypse" isn't just fear-mongering; it is a mathematical certainty backed by recent supply chain reports. According to data from TrendForce and Micron, the explosive growth of AI infrastructure—driven by giants like OpenAI and Google—has monopolized the global supply of DRAM and High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). With AI data centers now consuming nearly 40% of the world’s memory production, manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix have shifted their focus away from consumer electronics.

For gamers, this creates a brutal trickle-down effect. The AI memory shortage gaming impact is already visible: reduced production of standard DDR5 RAM and GDDR7 video memory means scarcity is driving up costs. Analysts predict that by Q2 2026, the bill of materials for consoles and GPUs could rise significantly, forcing retailers to pass those costs directly to you. The discount stickers you see today are effectively artifacts of a pre-shortage supply chain that is rapidly drying up.

PlayStation Store Holiday Sale Last Day: Final Call for PS5 Pro Deals

Today marks the absolute deadline for the PlayStation Store Holiday Sale, which ends officially at 2:59 AM ET tomorrow. This is your final window to grab software deals, but more importantly, it signals the end of bundled retailer discounts on hardware. While the PS5 Pro deals January 2026 have been modest, with the console holding steady around its $749 price point, retailers have been bundling games and accessories to soften the blow. Once this sale period closes, we expect these value-add bundles to vanish.

Furthermore, insiders suggest that Sony is preparing to roll out the highly anticipated PSSR 2.0 (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) update between now and March. This software leap will likely renew demand for the Pro console just as supply constraints hit, creating a perfect storm for scalpers. If you don't secure a console now, you may be facing a barren market or inflated prices come spring.

Xbox Series X Price Hike News: Is $700 the New Normal?

The situation on the Microsoft side is arguably more precarious. Following price adjustments in late 2025 that saw the Xbox Series X climb to roughly $650, fresh leaks from industry insider Moore’s Law Is Dead indicate that another hike is imminent. Unlike Sony, reports suggest Microsoft did not stockpile sufficient RAM reserves to weather the AI boom.

With the Xbox Series X price hike news gaining traction, we could see the console’s MSRP jump to $700 or more in the coming weeks as manufacturing costs spiral. If you find a Series X at its current standard price—or better yet, discounted during the waning hours of the Best Buy Winter Sale—consider it a critical investment. The era of sub-$500 flagship consoles appears to be firmly behind us.

Best Gaming Laptop Deals 2026: Grab Blackwell Before It’s Gone

The PC market is where the PC part price predictions 2026 look grim. Nvidia’s RTX 50-series "Blackwell" laptops, which debuted last year, have been the gold standard for mobile gaming. However, because these machines rely heavily on the same cutting-edge memory fabrication processes used by AI chips, they are prime targets for price inflation.

We are currently seeing the best gaming laptop deals 2026 has to offer, with retailers clearing out 2025 inventory. Models equipped with the RTX 5070 and RTX 5080 are currently available at stable prices, but inventory channels are tightening. As the "RAMpocalypse" worsens, expect the price of next-gen laptops to increase by $200-$300 on average. If you need a machine for work and play, locking in a purchase today protects you from the volatility expected in the second quarter.

What Should You Buy Today?

  • Memory and Storage: If you build your own PC, buy DDR5 RAM and NVMe SSDs immediately. These components are the "canary in the coal mine" and will see the sharpest initial price jumps.
  • Consoles: Prioritize the Xbox Series X if you are in the Microsoft ecosystem, as it faces the highest risk of immediate price fluctuation.
  • Digital Games: Don't forget to check your wishlist on the PlayStation Store before the sale banner comes down tonight.

The writing is on the wall. The collision of AI’s hardware hunger and dwindling consumer stock means the prices you see today are likely the floor for the rest of the year. Don't let hesitation cost you—act before the 2026 pricing reality sets in.