The 7-year-old Nvidia Shield TV Pro is now $100 more expensive, a stark reminder that even outdated tech isn't immune to the rising costs of AI-fueled components. Launched in 2019, the Shield TV Pro was a powerhouse streaming box, complete with AI upscaling and hardware decoding for a variety of media. Its $199.99 price tag has now swelled to $299.99, as Nvidia cites increased cost of memory and components across the industry.

The rise in prices isn't just hitting the tech sector; it's a broader phenomenon. Andrew Bell, Nvidia's head of streaming, acknowledges that the Shield TV Pro is now subject to the same supply chain constraints as today’s smartphones and computers. Without a stockpile of pre-AI hardware, new units have to pay the AI tax.

But why now, you might ask? The answer lies in the surge of generative AI. As these technologies become more prevalent, so too does their reliance on cutting-edge hardware. This has led to an increased demand for memory and processing power, driving up costs across the board. For devices like the Shield TV Pro, which rely on these components, the price hikes are inevitable.

The hike in the Shield TV Pro's price isn't just about keeping up with the times; it's about surviving in a world where even the oldest tech requires the latest in hardware. The device, once a $199.99 streaming box, now commands $299.99, reflecting the broader economic realities of our tech-driven future.