PS5 shortage could get WORSE as insiders warn global chip stock has reached ‘crisis’

THE PS5 shortage could get worse as chip-makers struggle to meet demand.

Sony’s PlayStation 5 has been largely out of stock since November – and might not be widely available until July.

Much of this is being blamed on a global “crisis” in the computer chip world.

Demand for chips is through the roof, and suppliers can’t keep pace.

Prices of chips are rising as a result, and major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung are being prioritised.

“Chips are everything,” said Neil Campling, speaking to The Guardian.

“There’s 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.”

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 PS5 has been largely sold out since it launched in November 2020.

PlayStation boss Jim Ryan recently admitted that it would be much easier to get a PS5 from July onwards.

Resellers were peddling the console for thousands of pounds in the days after launch.

And even months later, the PS5 is still in such high demand that people are selling the console for £1,000 on eBay.

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.

In other news, Trending In The News’s favourite alternative to a games console is the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.

Check out the wildly impressive Panasonic 65HZ1000 TV, which makes most tellies look rubbish.

And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.