2026 Is Great for PC Gaming If You Already Have Hardware

PC gaming hardware is getting expensive fast, with AI demand pushing up RAM, SSD, CPU, and GPU prices.

Valve says retail prices often lag wholesale increases, so even new products like the Steam Machine and Xbox could cost more than expected.

A lawsuit also alleges major memory makers coordinated prices, adding to concerns about the market.

For now, the article argues that gamers with decent existing PCs or consoles are better off keeping them and waiting for prices to settle.