Sony Suspends Memory Card Orders Amid Severe Supply Constraints
Sony has officially halted orders for the vast majority of its memory card lineup, including CFexpress Type A, Type B, and SD cards, after determining that supply can no longer meet consumer demand. The company posted a notice on its Japanese website on March 27, confirming that this suspension applies to both authorized dealers and direct customers of the Sony Store. No specific end date was provided for the suspension, with Sony stating it will monitor the supply situation and announce a resumption separately on its product information page when conditions allow.
Extensive List of Affected Products
The list of impacted memory cards is comprehensive and spans multiple product categories. Every CFexpress Type A card, ranging from 240GB to 1,920GB, has been removed from order availability. For CFexpress Type B cards, the 240GB and 480GB models are affected, while the 960GB variant remains unaffected. Sony's SD card range has been almost entirely swept clean, including premium TOUGH-branded models and budget V30-rated 64GB cards. Only the already-discontinued SF-UZ series SD cards and the 960GB CFexpress Type B card are exempt from this order halt.
AI Data Centers Driving NAND Flash Shortage
The primary culprit behind this supply crisis is the insatiable demand from artificial intelligence data centers, which are consuming NAND flash and DRAM at unprecedented rates, leaving minimal resources for consumer-grade products like memory cards. According to TrendForce's Q1 2026 forecast, DRAM contract prices are expected to surge by 90–95% quarter-over-quarter, with NAND flash prices rising by 55–60%. In recent months, memory card prices have approximately tripled, exacerbating the situation for consumers and manufacturers alike.
A helium shortage linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, may be further compounding the problem, as helium is essential in the chipmaking process. The fact that even Sony's most affordable V30 SD cards are included in the freeze underscores that this is not merely a high-end supply issue but a widespread disruption affecting all tiers of NAND production.
Sony Leads the Way in Order Suspension
Sony has become the first major player in the industry to completely stop taking memory card orders, rather than simply implementing price increases. This move is particularly notable as it coincides with Sony's confirmation of PS5 price hikes of up to $100 worldwide on the same day. While existing retail stock, such as that available at US retailers like B&H, remains accessible for now, once this inventory is depleted, no restocking will occur until production resumes. This development signals a potential trend, with other manufacturers possibly following suit if supply constraints persist.
The suspension highlights the broader impact of AI-driven demand on consumer electronics, raising questions about future availability and pricing in the memory card market. As companies grapple with limited NAND flash resources, consumers may face prolonged shortages and higher costs, making this a critical issue to watch in the coming months.
