If you’ve felt like upgrading your rig or buying a new console has become painfully expensive lately, you’re not imagining things. Industry analysts’ reports show that the average price of gaming hardware has jumped sharply since 2019.
Everything from RAM, SSDs, GPUs, to handhelds, has gotten a sharp price increase. That rise isn’t just GPUs and other PC parts; even consoles have gotten noticeably expensive. The average cost of a gaming hardware component and console is much more expensive than it was a few years ago, which raises real concerns for the future.
Why Are Hardware Costs Up?
There are a few clear reasons behind the price hikes. The sudden surge of AI has caused data centers and big tech companies to gobble up supplies. This has caused a sudden increase in the price of RAM and other storage units.
Obviously, when parts increase in price, the cost to make these gaming devices also increases significantly. And, this isn’t just for PC gamers. Console makers are also affected by this. Everything that is used to run games is getting expensive every year.
A recent analysis found the average new-unit price rose from roughly $235 in 2019 to about $439 in 2025, which just shows how expensive gaming has become. This also helps explain the pricing spikes we’re seeing around PlayStation, Xbox, and new hybrid handheld devices.
Lastly, major OEMs and laptop makers are already warning they’ll pass on surging memory costs, with some announcing upcoming price adjustments or lowered specs to keep MSRPs stable. Big PC manufacturers also warn that “prices will rise.” This could result in gaming turning into an even more expensive hobby than it currently is.
For gamers, the practical takeaway is simple: if you’re planning a GPU upgrade, a new console, or a gaming laptop, expect to pay a premium versus 2019. Try to shop smart and track prices of components so you can get the best deal. The truth is, prices will continue to rise, so it’s best to be smart about it.
Published: Dec 18, 2025 12:28 pm