The RAMpocalypse has bought Microsoft valuable time in the fight against SteamOS

The global RAM shortage has granted Microsoft a temporary shield against SteamOS's rise, but analysts predict the reprieve will last only until late 2026. Current supply constraints have raised RAM prices by 40%, making new gaming PCs $300 more expensive on average than last year, a cost that outperforms #2's hardware affordability by 25%. This 12-month window gives Microsoft time to innovate, but SteamOS's 28% market share gain in 2025 shows the clock is ticking.