The owners of PlayStation 5 look dull. For several weeks, the prices of computer equipment, in particular PS5 compatible SSDsare flying away at an alarming speed. At the origin of this increase: a global shortage of RAM, driven by massive demand from data centers specializing in artificial intelligence.
This is not just a passing crisis. The situation could last, and the consequences on the players are already visible. Those who were hoping to expand their console’s storage without breaking the bank will have to reconsider their plans.
RAM, AI and shortage: an explosive cocktail
For several months, manufacturers of RAM are facing unprecedented demand. Large AI platforms, such as chatbots or image generators, rely on servers that are very resource intensive, particularly RAM. Result: production lines are saturated, and stocks are struggling to keep up.
The shortage does not spare the other components. THE SSDalthough less critical for the servers, are also seeing their prices soar. An increase which ends up being passed on directly to the players.
Prices tripled on SSDs for PS5
On Reddit, testimonials from startled consumers are multiplying. User Humble_Profile_3306 shares a screenshot that has been making the rounds on forums: “Ouch, what a price hike!”, he wrote. The SSD WD BLACK SN850P 4TBvery popular with PS5 players, has gone from $489.20 to $1,369.99 in barely a month.
Another player quips: “At this point, if you need more storage, just buy another PS5.”
The phenomenon seems global. “I bought a 4TB SN850X SSD for $312.99 in March 2025. It’s now listed for $1149.99. It’s crazy!” says Pankosmanko. Same observation for KICKASSKC: “Wow, I got an 8TB WD-BLACK SSD a few months ago for around $580. That’s absurd.”
Consoles indirectly threatened
The situation is all the more critical as this increase affects all player profiles. Those who want to buy a PS5, those who want to expand their storage capacity, or even those who are building a gaming PC. Sony products are not yet directly affected, but that could change quickly when the current stocks will be exhausted.
At the same time, some observers are also concerned about ecological cost of artificial intelligenceaccused of accelerating this crisis. In addition to raw materials, AI consumes enormous amounts of water to cool its computing centers. Enough to fuel debates… and frustrations.