
A gaming mouse that cost $50 a year ago might now sell for $75 or more. The jump isn’t just about brand hype or RGB lighting—it’s a ripple effect of global politics, semiconductor shortages, and trade tensions that have put pressure on the entire tech industry.
For gamers trying to upgrade their setup, it’s not just GPUs and CPUs that are harder to find or more expensive. Even peripherals like keyboards, monitors, and headsets have seen price hikes. Websites offering tech reviews for gamers are quick to point out how the global supply chain influences availability and affordability.
The Chip Shortage That Won’t Quit
It all starts with chips. From graphics cards to wireless mice, nearly every piece of gaming hardware relies on semiconductors. But the supply of these essential components hasn’t kept up with demand. Natural disasters, factory fires, and most significantly, pandemic-driven production halts left manufacturers scrambling. As a result, companies prioritized where their chips went—often to automotive or enterprise sectors—leaving gamers and PC builders at the back of the line.
Adding fuel to the fire, unexpected surges in gaming during lockdowns increased demand. GPU scalping and crypto mining also strained the market. Nvidia and AMD could only do so much with the limited silicon available. By the time production ramped back up, shipping bottlenecks, labor shortages, and port delays were already widespread.
Global Tensions Behind the Tech Turmoil
Beyond logistics and demand, politics plays a significant role. The U.S.-China trade war disrupted longstanding tech partnerships, illustrating how global politics and trade frequently intersect. Tariffs on Chinese-made electronics raised costs across the board. Companies either had to eat the losses or pass them on to customers. Most chose the latter.
Then came export restrictions. The U.S. banned sales of advanced chips to Chinese firms, which retaliated with their own regulations. These moves didn’t just affect high-end AI processors—they also limited access to raw materials, factories, and rare earth elements needed for consumer-grade hardware. As tensions escalated, tech firms worldwide were compelled to restructure their supply chains, often resulting in higher costs and slower production.
Why Gamers Are Feeling the Pain
Gamers are among the most affected consumers. Not only do they rely on high-performance components, but their passion for upgrades also makes them sensitive to even minor price shifts. A $30 bump in GPU price can derail a budget build. When that same inflation applies to every part of a setup—mouse, keyboard, monitor—the total cost becomes frustratingly high.
Brands haven’t helped much either. Marketing continues to focus on premium features, while standard models are quietly discontinued or pushed to higher price points. Entry-level options are disappearing, making gaming more expensive for newcomers and casual players.
Workarounds, but at a Cost
Some gamers have turned to refurbished gear, used markets, or even lesser-known brands to bypass inflated prices. Others are holding off on purchases, hoping for relief. However, uncertainty around international policies, especially with Taiwan (home to chip giant TSMC), keeps the market volatile.
There’s also a trend of gamers choosing consoles over PCs, driven by better availability and price-to-performance ratios. While this works for some, it’s a compromise for those who value customization or PC-exclusive titles.
Will Prices Ever Go Back Down?
The short answer? Not anytime soon. While chip production is expected to stabilize by late 2025, geopolitical risks remain high. Tensions between the U.S., China, and Taiwan could spark new disruptions. Meanwhile, inflation, labor costs, and environmental policies continue to add pressure on manufacturers.
Gamers can expect modest price drops, especially as more refurbished and used products hit the market. But a full return to 2019 prices? That’s unlikely—at least not without major policy shifts and industry cooperation.
Final Thoughts
Your gaming mouse isn’t just a piece of plastic and circuitry. It’s the product of a vast, fragile web of politics, trade, and technology. Understanding this complexity helps explain not only the rising costs but also the urgency for better supply chain solutions and global tech diplomacy. Until then, gamers must weigh every purchase and stay informed.