The tech giant has suspended orders for nearly all SD cards, citing an unprecedented shortage of memory components driven by explosive growth in AI data centers. This follows a similar announcement from Western Digital earlier this year, signaling a severe supply crisis impacting the entire storage industry.
The Root Cause: AI’s Insatiable Demand
The current shortage isn’t merely a temporary hiccup; it’s a direct consequence of the relentless expansion of artificial intelligence. AI data centers require massive amounts of high-speed memory, including both SD cards and hard drives, to store and process the vast datasets needed for training and operation. Demand has surged so rapidly that manufacturers are struggling to keep pace.
Sony’s Official Statement
Sony confirmed the suspension on its Japanese website, stating that supply will not be able to meet demand for CFexpress memory cards and SD memory cards for the foreseeable future. Orders have been paused from both authorized dealers and direct customers as of March 27, 2026. The company offered no timeline for resuming sales, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding manufacturing recovery.
Which Products Are Affected?
The halt affects nearly all types of Sony memory cards, including:
- CFexpress Type A and Type B
- Standard SD cards
While some lower-end models may remain in production, consumers should anticipate limited availability across the board. Sony’s move underscores the severity of the situation, with the company openly admitting it doesn’t know when production will normalize.
The Broader Trend: Western Digital’s Warning
Sony isn’t alone. In February, Western Digital announced that it had already sold out of all hard drives for the year with ten months remaining. This demonstrates a systemic problem across the storage sector. Both companies are buckling under the weight of demand from AI, leaving consumers and businesses scrambling for alternatives.
Ripple Effects: Price Hikes on PlayStation Consoles
The memory shortage is also driving up prices on other Sony products. The company recently announced significant price increases on its current-generation PlayStation consoles, likely due to the same supply constraints. This highlights how the memory crisis extends beyond storage media, impacting consumer electronics as well.
The suspension of SD card sales by Sony and Western Digital’s earlier announcement are clear indicators that the global memory shortage is far from over. The relentless growth of AI data centers is reshaping the tech landscape, leaving manufacturers and consumers alike to adapt to a new reality of limited supply and rising costs.
