Sony halts memory card orders amid global chip crunch

Sony has temporarily halted orders for a wide range of its memory cards, citing a worsening global shortage impacting crucial components like RAM, GPUs, and consoles.

Supply chain woes hit sony memory cards

The suspension, which began Friday, March 27th, affects six models of CFexpress Type A and B cards, favored by professionals for high-end cameras, alongside nine SD card models. The company has not provided a timeline for resuming sales, only stating it will continue to monitor the supply situation. The list includes various storage capacities, from 1920GB to 64GB, meaning users reliant on specific tiers will face disruption.

This isn’t just about photography. The memory crisis, fueled by surging demand from artificial intelligence firms, is rippling through the entire tech sector. The impact is already evident in ongoing Steam Deck supply issues and Valve’s delayed Steam Machine plans, now targeting 2026. Even the launch of new GPUs like the RTX 5070 Ti has been affected, raising concerns about potential delays for the Sony PlayStation 6.

While some of the temporarily suspended cards remain available on Sony’s website and other retailers, consumers shouldn’t expect lasting stock. Notably, Sony’s microSD cards are not included in this suspension, offering a small reprieve for users of devices like the Nintendo Switch 2 and handheld PCs. The situation underscores the fragility of the modern electronics supply chain, and the ripple effects this will have on the upcoming gaming generation are likely to be significant. The cost of gaming hardware is poised to rise.

The shortage is a stark reminder that even the biggest players in the industry aren't immune to the disruptions plaguing global manufacturing. And with demand for powerful computing components showing no signs of abating, the slowdown may persist for longer than many anticipate.