2026 Is Great For PC Gaming If You Already Have Hardware

ign.com Jul 21, 2026

2026 Is Great For PC Gaming If You Already Have Hardware

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 21, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

In 2026, a surge in RAM prices driven by AI demand has made building or buying a gaming PC prohibitively expensive, with new Steam Machines priced over $1,000. Valve engineers confirm the crisis is worsening, and Microsoft predicts Xbox costs could rise fivefold by 2027. A class‑action lawsuit targets major RAM makers for alleged price‑fixing, though its impact may be delayed. Meanwhile, many recent titles run well on lower‑end hardware, offering a silver lining for existing PCs.

💡 Why It Matters

· The escalating memory costs threaten to widen the gap between high‑end and budget gaming, potentially reshaping the market’s accessibility and prompting a shift toward software optimization.

Read full article on ign.com

Windows 11 is one step closer to fixing laptop touchpads and the…

Sean Endicott, a seasoned journalist at Windows Central, specializes in Windows 11, Surface hardware, Microsoft 365, AI, and broader Windows ecosystem coverage. Since 2017, he has produced over a thousand articles, including breaking news, feature pieces, and opinion columns. Endicott also authors the weekly Windows Wrap column, curating key stories and contextualizing them within the PC landscape. Prior to Windows Central, he earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism and worked in live media production. In addition, he coaches youth American football in Nottingham, earning BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year honors in 2024.

💡 Endicott’s deep expertise and consistent reporting shape public understanding of Microsoft’s evolving products, while his dual role in sports demonstrates the breadth of skills journalists bring to tech coverage.

appleinsider.com · Jul 21

Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program was great while it lasted

Apple announced that its iPhone Upgrade Program will be phased out in favor of a new Apple Upgrades pay‑as‑you‑go plan launching July 28. The new program, financed by Klarna, will offer installment plans for iPhones, Macs, and iPads over 24‑26 months, allowing early upgrades but dropping the bundled AppleCare+ coverage. Existing customers can finish their current plans, but new users must enroll in Apple Upgrades. The shift reflects Apple’s move to a broader, third‑party financing model.

💡 The change expands Apple’s financing options beyond phones, potentially easing entry for consumers across its product line while altering the value proposition of its upgrade path.

androidcentral.com · Jul 21

Xbox Game Pass joins Meta Horizon Plus, and to be honest, I’m…

Meta’s Horizon Plus has added the starter edition of Xbox Game Pass, granting Quest users access to a 50‑plus game library that includes AAA titles like Fallout 4 and indie hits such as Overcooked 2. The partnership, effective July 21, offers 10 hours of monthly cloud gaming, downloadable titles for unlimited play, and synced progression across Xbox, PC, and Meta Quest devices. Subscribers pay $59.99 annually or $7.99 monthly, with a free trial available. Meta also plans to support Xbox controller emulation on Quest Touch controllers in upcoming weeks.

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whathifi.com · Jul 21

The McIntosh MX124 AV receiver wants to be the beating heart of…

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💡 By enabling four‑subwoofer configurations and full 8K support, the MX124 positions itself as a future‑proof hub for premium home theaters, ensuring that existing investments remain relevant as media standards evolve.

9to5google.com · Jul 21

Review: After a year with Galaxy Z Fold 7, I’m worried Fold…

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playstationlifestyle.net · Jul 21

PlayStation Store Drops Intriguing New PS5 Exclusive Game

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💡 Wishbound’s low price point and branching endings offer a fresh, mobile‑centric horror experience, expanding the PS5’s exclusive library and showcasing Sony’s push toward narrative‑driven, interactive storytelling.