Video games are a fortune. Blame Trump and AI.

Key Points:

• Video game console prices have surged significantly over the past 15 months, largely due to President Trump’s 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs and increased demand for RAM driven by the AI industry, negatively impacting consumers and the gaming industry.
• Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have all raised prices on their consoles and accessories, reversing the historical trend of consoles becoming cheaper over time, with Xbox Series X increasing by $300 and PlayStation 5 by $150 since launch.
• The AI boom has caused a shortage in RAM, driving up prices of memory chips and consumer electronics, contributing further to inflation that disproportionately affects young male voters, a key demographic for Trump and the Republican Party.
• Upcoming major game releases, such as Grand Theft Auto VI, will debut at higher prices ($80 standard, $100 ultimate edition) and shift to digital-only formats, adding to consumer dissatisfaction ahead of the midterms.
• Public opinion polls show declining approval for Trump among young male voters and widespread opposition to AI data centers, while Americans are divided on historical figures but largely view Trump as the worst American in the past 250 years.