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AMD & Nvidia GPUs Update: Prices to Rise 'Significantly' in 2026

Graphic showing AMD and Nvidia logos alongside rising arrow and money symbols, representing projected significant price increases for graphics cards in 2026.

Brace Yourselves: AMD and Nvidia GPUs Are Reportedly Getting 'Significantly' More Expensive in 2026

Brace yourselves, PC gamers. Just when we thought we might be catching our breath after years of wild GPU markets, a new report has landed that could send shivers down every enthusiast's spine. It seems both AMD and Nvidia are reportedly set to hike the prices of their consumer graphics cards – and not just by a little.

According to a bombshell report from Newsis, 2026 is shaping up to be a truly difficult year for anyone looking to upgrade or build a new gaming rig. The word from industry sources is that both AMD and Nvidia are gearing up to 'significantly' increase the cost of their GPUs. If these reports hold true, we're looking at initial price adjustments as early as next month for AMD, followed by Nvidia in February. And here’s the kicker: these won't be one-off increases. The report suggests we'll see a gradual, continuous rise throughout the year.

The AI Beast Devours Our GPUs

So, why the sudden, drastic shift? It all boils down to a phenomenon that’s been dominating headlines far beyond the gaming world: Artificial Intelligence. The surge in AI data center construction has created an insatiable, unprecedented demand for crucial components, especially high-bandwidth memory. This isn't just about a minor supply chain hiccup; it’s a foundational shift in how the tech world values and consumes hardware.

  • Memory Scarcity: The primary culprit appears to be the skyrocketing cost of memory, driven by AI’s immense needs.
  • AI Giants’ Hunger: Companies like OpenAI and Microsoft are gobbling up GPUs and RAM at an alarming rate, preparing for future models that demand "100 times more compute," as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang himself has noted. Microsoft's CEO even mused they don't have the electricity to install the GPUs sitting in their inventory – imagine that demand!
  • Supply & Demand Imbalance: When corporate behemoths are buying up hardware by the warehouse-load, consumer supply inevitably shrinks, pushing prices skyward for the rest of us. AMD and Nvidia know they can charge AI companies more, and they will.

Your Dream Card Just Got Pricier... Maybe Much Pricier

Let's talk specifics, because that's where the pain really hits home. The Newsis report indicates that these price increases will directly impact the cutting-edge cards we're all eyeing. We're talking about Nvidia's upcoming GeForce RTX 50 series and AMD's Radeon RX 9000 series. And for a truly stark example, consider this:

  • The Nvidia RTX 5090, which launched at a hefty $1,999, could reportedly soar to an eye-watering $5,000 by the end of the year.

Think about that for a moment. A card that already pushed the boundaries of enthusiast pricing could more than double its cost. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a potential barrier to entry for countless gamers who simply want to experience the latest titles at their best.

The Domino Effect on PC Gaming

This isn't just about the price tag on a single component. This seismic shift in the hardware market could have ripple effects throughout the entire PC gaming ecosystem. Higher GPU prices mean:

  • More Expensive Builds: The cost of building or upgrading a gaming PC will climb dramatically, making state-of-the-art gaming a luxury few can afford.
  • Slower Adoption of New Tech: Fewer gamers will be able to afford the latest GPUs, potentially slowing the adoption of new graphical technologies and game features on the consumer side.
  • Impact on Developers: While game companies like Square Enix and Ubisoft are openly embracing AI in development (even for things like QA, as Square Enix plans to replace 70% of its QA with AI by 2027), the consumer side of the equation might struggle to keep up with the hardware demands of increasingly sophisticated games built with AI tools.

Ultimately, this paints a rather grim picture for the average PC gamer. The simple economics of supply and demand, supercharged by the AI revolution, are set to make our beloved hobby significantly more expensive.

This isn't just another rumour to dismiss. If the Newsis report is accurate, we're on the cusp of a significant paradigm shift in the consumer GPU market. The incredible demand from AI companies is putting immense pressure on supply and driving up costs in ways we haven't seen since the crypto boom – only this time, the driving force appears far more entrenched. For us gamers, it means keeping a very close eye on the market, managing expectations for future upgrades, and perhaps appreciating our current rigs a little bit more. The future of affordable high-end PC gaming looks increasingly uncertain.

FAQs on the Reported GPU Price Hikes

Why are GPU prices reportedly increasing so much?

The primary drivers are the massive demand for high-bandwidth memory and GPUs from AI data centers and companies. This demand, fueled by the development of next-generation AI, is creating significant supply shortages and cost pressures for component manufacturers.

Which specific GPU series are expected to be affected?

According to the report, the price increases are expected to impact Nvidia's upcoming GeForce RTX 50 series and AMD's Radeon RX 9000 series, among others.

When are these price increases expected to begin?

Initial price adjustments are reportedly planned for January 2026 for AMD GPUs and February 2026 for Nvidia GPUs, with further gradual increases expected throughout the year.