The explosion of AI data centers is creating a memory chip shortage that will increase the prices of popular streaming devices.
Three companies control almost all DRAM production worldwide: Micron Technology, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix. All three have shifted manufacturing toward high-margin memory chips that AI infrastructure requires.
Every chip built for an Nvidia GPU is one less available for your Fire TV Stick, phone, laptop, or game console.
Hardware Prices Are Climbing Fast
The damage is spreading across consumer electronics. A 32 GB Crucial desktop RAM kit jumped from $70 to over $300. Major PC makers like Dell, Lenovo, HP, and Asus have confirmed price hikes of 15% to 20% on their systems.
Gaming is taking a beating too. Valve killed off the LCD Steam Deck, raising the entry price from $399 to $549. Sources tell Bloomberg that Sony may delay its next PlayStation until 2028 or 2029. Reports also suggest Nvidia won’t release new graphics cards this year for the first time in three decades.
One of our TROYPOINT Insider Patrons made a sharp observation: “It won’t be long before our favorite streamers and TVs are affected by this shortage.” That is a valid concern and what led us to creating this article.
RAM sits inside every streaming stick, Android TV box, and smart television on the market. The Raspberry Pi 5 with 16 GB already jumped from $120 to $205. If budget boards are getting hammered, expect affordable streaming hardware to follow.
Analysts at TrendForce predict contract DRAM prices could rise up to 95% in early 2026. IDC now calls this a “permanent reallocation” of supplier capacity toward AI, not a temporary blip. The shortage could stretch into 2028.
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Streaming Services Keep Raising Prices Too
On top of rising hardware costs, cord-cutters are getting squeezed by subscription hikes. Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, Apple TV, and Paramount+ all raised prices during 2025 or early 2026 according to CNET.
Apple TV jumped 30% to $12.99 per month. Disney+ ad-free now costs $18.99. Paramount+ bumped both tiers by $1 starting in January 2026.
Investopedia coined the term “streamflation” and more viewers are switching to ad-supported tiers just to keep costs manageable.
Final Thoughts
Between soaring hardware costs and rising subscription fees, cord-cutters face a double hit in 2026.
If you’ve been eyeing a new Fire TV Stick or Android TV box, buying sooner might save you money. The RAM shortage could last into 2028, and streaming services show no signs of holding prices steady.
For more details on this story, refer to the report from Fast Company.
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