SanDisk Announces $3000 PS5 SSD as Component Pricing Surge Continues

Key Points:

• SanDisk's new PS5 SSD lineup features an 8TB model priced at $2,960 after a 20% discount from its $3,699 MSRP, highlighting the ongoing flash memory price crisis compared to an 8TB SSD that cost $599 last year.
• The Optimus GX Pro 850P series also includes 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB models priced at $380, $760, and $1,500 respectively, with even the non-PS5 branded 850X model costing $2,650, showing steep prices despite being PCIe 4.0 drives with no cutting-edge specs.
• SanDisk introduced a new 7100X SSD marketed for ROG Xbox Ally (X) and PC, offering official licensing and a free month of Game Pass Ultimate, but it appears to be a standard PCIe 4.0 drive without notable unique features.
• The high prices and modest discounts raise questions about affordability and value, with skepticism about consumer demand for these drives while SSD prices remain elevated.
• Despite the pricing concerns, SanDisk continues to release new models, and future price drops could make these drives more attractive, though the current market situation makes their launch seem premature.