The PlayStation 5, or PS5 if you’re not a nerd, is Sony’s newest console and sets the standard for the “next-gen” experience. It’s universally loved… by the very small selection of people that could actually get their hands on the thing. Available stock has been a major issue for the PS5 since launch and even though Sony has confirmed that it would have most likely struggled to meet the demand even outside of a global pandemic, there was another factor that probably slowed down production: The semiconductor shortage.
We’ve been running low of those essential little guys for a while now and while companies are doing their best to solve the crisis, it might be a while yet until everything’s resolved. According to a report from The Guardian, the demand for tech that requires more complex chips has only continued to to grow, spurred on by the necessity of tech during the pandemic. In turn, this has resulted in manufacturers not being able to keep up.
Speaking to The Guardian, Neil Campling, media and tech analyst at Mirabaud said, “There is a perfect storm of supply and demand factors going on here. But basically, there is a new level of demand that can’t be kept up with, everyone is in crisis and it is getting worse.” What this means is that if you hoped to purchase a brand spanking new PS5 this year, you’ll have to wait a little longer.
PS5, can I have some more?
At this point you don’t need us to tell you how severe the semi-conductor shortage is. Sony isn’t the only company stressing about this. Microsoft has already confirmed that the Xbox Series X/S will continue to experience stock shortages, even though it’s already more prevalent than the PS5, because there’s no sign of this shortage easing up in the future.
“There is no sign of supply catching up, or demand decreasing, while prices are rising across the chain. This will cross over to people in the street. Expect cars to cost more, phones to cost more. This year’s iPhone is not going to be cheaper than last year,” concluded Campling.
Source: TechRadar