SONY has warned that PS5 stock issues will remain an issue right through to 2022.
It means many hopeful buyers will now be racing to bag a PlayStation 5 in time for Christmas.
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The PS5 has been largely sold out since it launched in November 2020.
But PlayStation boss Jim Ryan recently admitted that it would be much easier to get a PS5 from July onwards.
That may still be true, but it looks like it will still be difficult to get one if demand remains high.
Now one Sony exec is warning that the console may be tricky to secure for a long time.
“I don’t think demand is calming down this year,” said Sony finance boss Hirohito Totoki, as reported by Bloomberg.
“And even if we secure a lot more devices and product many more units of the PlayStation 5 next year, our supply wouldn’t be able to catch up with demand.”
Would-be PS5 owners are already tweeting about how they want the console for Christmas 2021.
But demand will soar as the holiday season approaches.
Older consoles like the Nintendo Switch regularly go out of stock in the run up to Black Friday and Christmas.
And it could be the same story for the PS5 this November and December.
Well I was planning on getting one next month for my birthday but we haven't had any drops of PS5 consoles for over a month now so I'm waiting til Christmas now, hopefully they'll be easy to get then? Surely?
—
Michael
(@SpykerMP6) May 5, 2021
Even Skittles is desperate to get in on the action…
The shortage is linked to a global chip crisis that is wreaking havoc on the tech world.
The shortage first began last year, as chip-making factories were forced to shut down during the pandemic.
Some firms – like car makers – needed fewer chips as demand dried up.
But electronics sales soared as the world began spending more time at home.
Then once the world began kicking back into action, a backlog in orders put strain on the chip-makers.
Several products were delayed as the shortage ramped up, including two of last year’s iPhone models.
Samsung has also warned that one of its top models may need to be pushed back.
The shortage has also been linked to a drought in Taiwan.
Chip-making is a liquid-intensive process, and Taiwan has reportedly imported water to help ease the supply strains.
The full PS5 costs £449/$499, while a Digital Edition without a disc tray is priced at £359/$399.
They’re up against the Xbox Series X (£449) and Xbox Series S (£249), which hit shelves worldwide November 10.
All four consoles have been sold out around the world, with stock seesawing in and out of availability over the past few weeks.
The PS5 launched with major exclusive games like Spider-Man Miles Morales and a revamped version of Dark Souls for players to enjoy.
Xbox gamers, on the other hand, have a new Halo title to look forward to later this year.
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.
