Sony halts memory card sales: ai demand drains supply
A seismic shift is rocking the photography and electronics world: Sony has abruptly ceased accepting orders for CFexpress and SD memory cards, citing a global semiconductor shortage exacerbated by the insatiable hunger of artificial intelligence. This isn't a minor tweak; it's a wholesale shutdown of a key product line, impacting professionals and hobbyists alike.
The ram crunch: beyond consoles and cameras
Just 24 hours ago, Sony announced a €100 price hike for its PlayStation consoles, also attributed to the same memory and storage scarcity. Now, the fallout extends far beyond gaming. Photographers, videographers, and anyone relying on Sony’s reliable memory cards are facing a stark reality: supply has dried up, and replacements are unlikely to appear anytime soon.
The situation isn't limited to Sony's premium offerings. Standard SD cards used in smartphones, consoles, and a myriad of other devices are also caught in the crossfire. The official Sony statement, released on March 27, 2026, points to “the global shortage of semiconductors (memories) and other factors” making it impossible to meet demand. They've suspended orders from distributors and the Sony Store, with a vague promise of reassessment “as we monitor the supply situation.”
The core problem? Artificial intelligence. As the tech industry races to deploy increasingly sophisticated AI models, demand for RAM and storage has skyrocketed, essentially absorbing the available supply. This leaves scant resources for other sectors, forcing manufacturers into difficult choices. While some opt for price increases or stock reductions, Sony’s move is arguably the most drastic – a complete halt to sales.
Analysts predict this supply disruption could persist well into 2027. The affected cards include CFexpress Type A (240, 480, 960, and 1.920 GB), CFexpress Type B (240 and 480 GB), and various SD TOUGH and standard V60/V30 series cards. Initially, the restrictions are focused on Japan, but widespread global shortages are anticipated as existing stock dwindles. The idea of Japanese consumers seeing these cards available elsewhere is, understandably, fueling frustration.
But the memory crisis doesn't stop there. Following the RAM shortage, a CPU crunch is now emerging, with order backlogs stretching for months. Sony’s predicament underscores a deeper systemic vulnerability in the tech supply chain, one that's unlikely to resolve itself quickly.
This isn’t just about inconvenience; it’s a sign of a broader technological realignment. The relentless pursuit of AI dominance is reshaping the landscape of hardware availability, with potentially far-reaching consequences for innovation and accessibility. The future of photography, videography, and countless other fields now hinges on the resolution of this escalating resource war.