AI needs so much computing power, it’s being taken away from gamers
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The device is said to be a PC/console hybrid powered by SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based gaming platform that, in many ways, offers better gaming performance than Windows. Without a crystal ball, it’s impossible to predict whether the Steam Machine sequel will be received better than the original, but if the Steam Deck’s success is any indication, Valve could have a breakout hit on its hands.
The only problem is that the Steam Machine, which was set to release in the first half of 2026, has now been delayed, thanks to — you guessed it — RAM shortages. Some estimates suspect that the console will now arrive mid-year, but Valve hasn’t confirmed this timeline yet. The company has also refrained from announcing an official price, citing that fluctuating RAM costs could drive the final MSRP higher.
Making matters even worse, the Steam Deck has also curiously disappeared from shelves in recent weeks, sparking concerns over Valve’s entire console business.
OEMs fight back
Some OEMs are trying to find ways around the RAM shortages in order to keep their product road maps alive, but the results could be detrimental to their brands. PC manufacturers like Dell, ASUS, and HP are reportedly looking to lesser-known Chinese companies outside their usual supply chains to provide RAM for their laptops.
While this could cut down on RAM costs and boost availability, the memory from these Chinese suppliers are untested in name-brand computers at scale. That means performance could suffer, and it could even open these laptops to security risks.
What are gamers to do?
Needless to say, all of this puts gamers in a tough position. With new hardware delays, market scarcity, potential shoddy RAM options, and rising prices, it’s growing more difficult for gamers to upgrade their existing hardware or make repairs as old components start to break.
The worst part is that RAM shortages are expected to last into 2028. As they drag on, fewer products will be available, and prices on current hardware will jump to even more unreasonable levels. There’s just not enough supply to meet demand, and that could make it impossible for gamers to get the gear they need.
Now you have three options:
- Pray that your current rig holds out until the end of the decade when, hopefully, these issues are resolved.
- Try cloud gaming. It might be easier to rent a rig until this all gets sorted out. But in doing that, you own less of your gaming experience, leaving yourself open to the dictates of companies that could eventually require biometric authentication for access, as is the case with Discord’s new ID-enforced age restrictions.
- Buy your new gear now. Right now. If you can find it.
Why you should buy now, if you can
If you want a 50 series GPU or a brand-new Steam Deck, you might be out of luck. But if a gaming laptop is what you’re after, there’s hope.
Because Nvidia didn’t release new GPUs for 2026, most of the “new” gaming laptops launching this year are minor refreshes. Instead of waiting for these models to drop, last year’s models with the same GPUs are still available and ripe for the picking.
I took advantage of this loophole myself, snatching up a 2025 ROG Zephyrus G14 with a stellar 5070 Ti that was made with premium parts from a time before the RAM shortages. It’s the smarter option than springing for the marginally better 2026 version with an inflated price tag, internals from a third-rate Chinese supplier, and more than likely, a delayed release date. Given the way the market has shaken out, I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Gamers have to choose what’s best for them, but one thing is clear: If you don’t buy new hardware now, you might be waiting until the turn of the decade for better upgrades to come along, and in the fast-paced world of video games, that’s a long time to wait indeed.
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