It sounds as though PS5 supplies will continue to be limited into 2022.
It was never going to be easy launching a new console in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, and Bloomberg now reports that Sony has spoken to a “group of analysts” about the supply constraint issues affecting PlayStation 5 supplies, reportedly warning that shortages will continue into 2022.
“I don’t think demand is calming down this year and even if we secure a lot more devices and produce many more units of the PlayStation 5 next year, our supply wouldn’t be able to catch up with demand,” Hiroki Totoki reportedly told the analysts.
Global shortages of semiconductors, which are used in almost all computing devices, has made it increasingly difficult for the continuing demand for PS5 consoles to be met. Semiconductors are a crucial part of the PS5 architecture, and the shortages have let to delays in the console’s production cycle.
Ever since the PS5 launched in November 2020 it has been difficult for both retail stores, and consumers, to get their hands on one. Both the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the trade war started by the Trump administration against China have affected the ability for electronics manufacturers to get hold of these parts. It was previously reported that AMD (which produces chips for PS5) expected shortages to to continue into 2021, but that looks set to be extended into 2022 as well.
Sony has previously been vocal in suggesting it wants to surpass the second-year sales of the PS4, which totalled 14.8 million units – however issues with the particular chips needed might get in the way of achieving that target. Ideally, Sony would want to keep up with, or even exceed the early sales of the Playstation 4, but that is looking increasingly challenging at this point.
In April, Playstation CEO Jim Ryan said that the company were looking to increase PS5 supply, and that he was in discussions with chip supplier AMD, but it’s clear from this latest news that those conversations have not yet borne fruit.
It’s disappointing news for those looking to get their hands on a PS5, as it looks like demand will continue to outstrip supply for the foreseeable future. Despite those struggles, PS5 has still become the fastest-selling console in US history, for both dollar and unit sales.
