Sony Halts Memory Card Sales Amid Global Chip Shortage & AI Demand

March 29, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

Sony Halts Memory Card Orders Amid Global Semiconductor Shortage

Sony has suspended accepting new orders for its CFexpress Type A, Type B, and SD memory cards in Japan, citing a global shortage of semiconductors. The move, announced by Sony Japan on March 27, impacts both authorized distributors and direct customers through the Sony Store, signaling a deepening crisis in the storage market.

The company stated that the ongoing semiconductor shortage and other factors have led to a situation where supply is unable to meet demand for CFexpress and SD cards. No timeline for resuming orders was provided, with Sony indicating it will monitor the situation and provide updates as available. The affected cards include its TOUGH series, popular among professional photographers, as well as lower-end SD cards.

While the initial order halt is specific to Japan, reports indicate growing scarcity in other markets. The Sony Store Spain currently shows limited stock of SD cards, with only mid-to-high range models of 128GB or larger available, and a single 64GB model remaining at a price of 35 euros.

The shortage is attributed to surging demand for NAND flash memory from data centers supporting artificial intelligence applications. According to Bloomberg, the demand from AI is fueling a broader chip crisis. This demand has disproportionately absorbed global production capacity, leaving less available for other sectors, including memory cards.

The situation is further complicated by geopolitical factors. Disruptions related to the conflict involving Iran and Israel are contributing to a scarcity of helium, a critical component used in the cooling of reactors during semiconductor manufacturing, impacting multiple chipmakers.

Phison, a major supplier of controllers for SSDs and memory cards, has warned that the NAND shortage could lead to the closure of entire consumer electronics companies if conditions do not improve. The company’s CEO cautioned about the severity of the situation, highlighting the potential for widespread disruption across the industry.

Sony’s decision follows a recent price increase for the PlayStation 5, adding to concerns about the rising costs and limited availability of consumer electronics. The company is also reportedly exploring the sale of its cellular chipset business, according to Reuters, potentially as a strategic response to the challenging market conditions.