As RAM and SSDs continue to get more expensive, graphics cards are now back on the chopping block. This makes PC gaming increasingly unattractive for many users. In an interview, the CEO of NVIDIA gives reason for hope.
What did the CEO say? At the CES technology fair 2026 in Las Vegas, the computer magazine tomshardware asked NVIDIA’s boss, Jensen Huang, about the current graphics card prices. In a Q&A section, the magazine proposed an idea to counter the rising trend:
“New GPUs are going to be very expensive due to supply restrictions, let’s assume. Do you think it would be possible to resume production of older graphics card generations? Maybe for models that require less DRAM? Would that help?”
Jensen responded that it is definitely possible. He also explained that depending on the generation, new AI features could be added. It would require some engineering effort but would be feasible.
In conclusion, he told the magazine: “I will take a closer look at that, it’s a good idea.” This reaction is not unusual for him, as the CEO is always open to suggestions and works around the clock. Work-life balance is a foreign concept to him.
If you want to hold off a bit and the pricing situation in PC gaming is too precarious, you can take a look at the upcoming Steam Machine:
Old hardware should make gaming affordable again
How could older graphics cards help? Currently, prices for GPUs are rising. This means it is becoming harder to get a good price for a gaming PC. Furthermore, the fact that RAM has become so expensive, that some users are already calling for a boycott. Older, more affordable GPU generations, especially in the budget segment, would help.
An ASUS variant of the RTX 5070 TI, for example, has become nearly 100 euros more expensive since 07.12.2025 until today, 08.01.2026, and the trend is rising (via Geizhals).
The flagship model from NVIDIA, the RTX 5090, is not exempt from price increases either. From 09.12.2025 to 08.01.2026, its price has risen from 2,599 euros to 3,289 euros (via Geizhals), an increase of nearly 700 euros.
If NVIDIA were to flood the market with older, affordable graphics cards, buying a gaming PC would once again be cost-effective.
NVIDIA could give older graphics cards the necessary boost with AI
Which features would help gamers? Older graphics cards typically deliver less performance compared to newer generations and are not always sufficient to run new games at the highest graphics settings smoothly. However, this is where Jensen’s idea comes into play.
If NVIDIA can bring features like frame generation to 30 series GPUs or multi-frame generation to the 40 series, they will gain a performance boost that would make those hardware generations more attractive.
It should be noted that while frame generation technology can increase your FPS two to six times depending on GPU and settings, you may experience noticeable input lag. Furthermore, older graphics cards are already benefiting from innovations in upscaling technologies like DLSS 4.0: Which graphics cards are supported and when will the feature be available for games?
