Near the start of the year, I wrote a column where I described building my very first dedicated gaming PC during the RAM shortage. Despite the steep increase in memory prices, I lucked out because I got my gaming rig constructed right before RAM prices spiked again. But now the rising cost of memory is mostly inescapable for gamers. For example, Sony recently announced large PlayStation 5 price hikes due to continued RAM supply problems. The fact that a PS5 Pro is now just a hair under $900 is astounding since it’s more expensive than when it launched. Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney recently brought up a great point in that this is the first generation where consoles are getting more expensive as they age.
Those that study this issue in much greater depth than me, like Dave Dimlich, the president of SD3IT, warned us about memory price increases a few months before everything spiked. SD3IT is a value-added-reseller that works with both major companies and the federal government, so they have their finger on the pulse of these things. According to Dimlich, supply chain shortages, higher pricing models, and the incredible demand for memory to power data centers supporting AI all contributed to the current state of memory price inflation. And according to them, this situation may last for quite some time. In fact, I am wondering if this incident will push back the next generation of consoles until closer to 2030.
If memory prices remain out of reach for many people, gamers may need to find ways to make the most out of their current equipment and gaming investments. This is how I plan to do that.
Humble Bundle
I have always loved Humble Bundle as a way to pick up games on the cheap. For those who do not know, Humble Bundle sells collections of games, books, and software at steep discounts, with a portion of the proceeds often going to charity. Most bundles are built around a theme like a publisher, genre, or franchise. One I wish I could grab right now is the Strategic Minds bundle, which includes Valkyria Chronicles 4 and six other titles for just $18. If you do not mind playing indie titles or older but still high-profile games, Humble Bundle is one of the best places to build up a library quickly without spending much. It is especially useful for PC players, though buyers should note that some games redeem on Steam while others use GOG or other platforms.
Epic/Amazon/PlayStation Free Games
I am sure Xbox has something similar, though I cannot say for certain since I have not owned one since the Xbox 360 era. But Epic, Amazon, and PlayStation all offer free games on a regular basis, though PlayStation requires at least a base-tier subscription. These are often titles that are a few years old, but they can still provide dozens of hours of entertainment at no additional cost. As much as I would love to buy every big new release that catches my eye, those $70 price tags add up fast. Services like these can help fill the gaps while you wait for newer titles to drop in price. Better still, once you claim many of these, you can build up a nice backlog for later.
Classics Catalogs
Nintendo and Sony also offer strong classic game catalogs through their subscription services, which can be a great way to revisit older favorites or discover titles you missed the first time around. Nintendo has been building out its retro library for years, with ones ranging from those released on the NES and Game Boy all the way up through the Nintendo 64. And now GameCube games are starting to enter the picture on the Switch 2. Sony’s catalog has also been a nice excuse for me to revisit older RPGs and other PlayStation-era favorites. There is a lot of value in those back catalogs, especially if you are someone who enjoys nostalgia or wants to catch up on classics from earlier generations without hunting down original hardware.
Steam Sales
There was a time when gaming powerhouse Steam only hosted one or two mega sales festivals each year. Now, there seems to be a targeted festival every month and sometimes even more frequently. These festivals are often very specific. For example, they recently hosted both a turn-based strategy festival and another devoted to fishing titles (not at the same time). While you may not be interested in every one of those events that come up, if they happen to feature a genre that you enjoy, you can often find games reduced 70, 80, or even 90 percent off their normal price.
Check Your Local Game Stores
If you need to buy a new console or just want to expand your library without paying full price, it is worth checking local game stores before defaulting to big online retailers. Many local shops sell used consoles, older systems, and pre-owned games at reasonable prices. Some retro titles can still cost a fortune, of course, but there are also plenty of affordable options if you are willing to browse. One store near me regularly has PlayStation 3 systems for about $150, with used games selling for around $15 each. I also like checking local shops for used 3DS and Switch games, which can still save a decent amount of money compared with buying new. And it’s always a good thing to support your local gaming store.
Our New Game Playing Reality
Gaming is not getting any cheaper, and that is a tough reality for a hobby that already asks a lot from people in terms of time and money. But there are still smart ways to keep playing without feeling like every purchase has to be a major financial decision. Whether that means digging into bundle deals, stockpiling free monthly games, revisiting classics, or browsing the used shelves at a local shop, there are still plenty of more affordable options for gaming without always chasing the newest and most expensive thing. In a market where prices keep climbing, a little patience and flexibility can go a long way.
