Gamers hunting for affordable graphics cards may face an even tougher market ahead. PC Partner, the owner of GPU brand Zotac, has warned that entry-level GPUs face "even more severe shortages" over the next 12 months, with the situation expected to deteriorate further in the second half of 2026.

Budget GPUs Bear the Brunt

The warning from PC Partner points squarely at the lower end of the graphics card market. While supply constraints have affected the GPU industry broadly, the company's outlook suggests entry-level models will see the most acute pressure, with shortages intensifying in H2 2026.

Entry-level cards have long served as the most accessible option for budget-conscious PC builders and gamers. A deepening shortage in this segment removes one of the last affordable paths into PC gaming at a time when component costs are already under scrutiny.

Rising Prices Add to the Pressure

Alongside the supply warning, PC Partner has also flagged rising GPU prices. According to reporting on the company's comments, an analyst suggests that manufacturers may be hiking prices beyond what memory costs alone would justify — raising questions about how much of the increase is being passed on to consumers.

The combination of tighter supply and higher prices could have knock-on effects across the wider PC market. As graphics card availability shrinks, overall PC prices could be pushed higher, affecting both pre-built systems and DIY builds.

What It Means for Gamers

For consumers, the message is stark: the budget GPU segment — often seen as gamers' last hope for affordable hardware — is heading into a period of severe constraint. With shortages forecast to worsen through the second half of 2026, buyers may face limited stock, elevated prices, or both.

PC Partner's outlook adds to growing concern about the affordability of PC gaming hardware. If the projections hold, the next 12 months could prove especially challenging for anyone trying to build or upgrade a system on a budget.