The Dwindling Supply of SD and CFexpress Cards in Japan
The escalating prices of computers, mobile phones, and gaming consoles have become a concerning trend that many consumers are facing today. The core issue arises from the soaring demand from data centers, which has led to increased costs for RAM and NAND storage, significantly impacting SSD prices. This imbalance in supply and demand has prompted manufacturers to take drastic measures to manage rising costs and maintain their market share.
Impact on Gaming and Consumer Electronics
Recently, Sony publicly dampened expectations by announcing a price hike of 100 euros for the PS5 starting April. However, the company’s actions go beyond just raising console prices; they recently made headlines in Japan by suspending the sale of storage cards. This suspension affects virtually their entire lineup of CFexpress Type A, Type B, and SD cards, halting new orders from both authorized resellers and customers who frequent the Sony Store.
NAND Memory Chip Shortage Wreaks Havoc
If you’ve attempted to buy a memory card lately, you’re likely aware of the significant price increases associated with these essential devices for photography, gaming, and even personal tech projects like Raspberry Pi. The shortage of NAND memory chips has made it that much harder to find affordable memory solutions.
The announcement from Sony is strikingly explicit: the company will indefinitely cease accepting orders for these cards, predicting that supply will not meet the growing demand. According to their statement released on March 27, 2026, there is no specified timeline for resuming orders, painting a bleak picture for the medium-term future. The global semiconductor shortage is compounded by geopolitical issues, including tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which are further affecting supply chains.
Global Supply Issues Extend Beyond Japan
Though Sony’s suspension is primarily targeted towards the Japanese market, this supply crisis is not limited to one country. A quick search for SD cards in the Sony Store in Spain reveals only four available models, one of which is a relatively affordable 64GB option, while the others—128GB, 256GB, and 512GB—are priced around 300 euros. High-performance models like the TOUGH cards, favored by professional photographers, and entry-level SD cards are facing the most significant price hikes.
What you can buy today on the Sony website
Future of the Electronics Market
The CEO of Phison, a key supplier of memory card controllers, sounded alarms a month ago, stating that if the situation doesn’t improve, we might witness the closure of consumer electronics companies as early as 2026.
This warning comes amidst multiple reports suggesting that the semiconductor shortage is not just a fleeting problem, but rather a significant, systemic issue that could vastly reshape the consumer electronics landscape.
Conclusion
As it stands, consumers in Japan and around the world are likely to experience further challenges in finding affordable SD and CFexpress cards. With manufacturers like Sony suspending orders indefinitely and prices skyrocketing, the outlook for the immediate future appears not just uncertain but increasingly dire.