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AI-Driven Hardware Costs Raise Industry Questions
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has begun reshaping the global hardware market, with knock-on effects felt well beyond data centres. As companies accelerate AI infrastructure development, demand for critical components such as RAM has surged, driving up prices across the industry.
In the gaming sector, this trend has raised concerns not only among PC builders but also among console manufacturers. With Nintendo Switch 2 currently in heavy production to meet global demand, concerns have emerged that rising component costs could eventually translate into higher retail prices.
Nintendo Moves to Calm Switch 2 Pricing Concerns
Those concerns were recently addressed by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in an interview with Kyoto Shimbun, as reported by VGC. According to Furukawa, Nintendo has already secured mid- to long-term procurement contracts for key components, including memory.
As a result, current increases in RAM pricing linked to AI-driven demand will not affect the Nintendo Switch 2’s retail price in the near future. Furukawa’s comments suggest that Nintendo has proactively insulated its supply chain against short-term volatility.
Long-Term Pricing Still Depends on Global Factors
While the reassurance covers the immediate future, Nintendo stopped short of making long-term guarantees. Furukawa acknowledged that sustained increases in RAM prices could become a factor later on, depending on how global market conditions evolve.
He also noted that Nintendo is closely monitoring other variables, including potential tariff changes in the United States, which could affect manufacturing and distribution costs over time.
Strong Early Momentum for Switch 2
Despite wider industry pressures, the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to perform strongly. The console has already surpassed 10 million units sold worldwide, supported by a steady pipeline of first-party releases and growing third-party support.
For now, Nintendo fans can remain confident that Switch 2 pricing is stable, even as AI-driven demand continues to reshape the global hardware landscape.
