The PlayStation 5 is hard to find in stores since its launch in November 2020. Whenever the console becomes available at retailers, the stock runs out in a few minutes. Although it does not yet have an exact prediction of when this situation will improve, Sony guarantees that it will solve the ps5 supply problems “soon”.
The lack of stock of the PS5 is not something that only Sony can control. There are bigger issues than the company itself, such as the chip crisis that has affected the entire world since 2020. The problem is also caused by the growing number of scalpers who use robots to buy multiple console units as soon as they arrive at stores.
As there are few units available, scalpers buy the video game in droves for the official price and then resell more expensive. Due to high demand, some people can’t wait and submit to the abusive prices of the parallel market —which can be up to 50% higher than the value suggested by Sony.
The Japanese giant intends to change that reality soon. In a presentation released this week to investors, Sony said it will step up PS5 production in the coming months to reduce the problems of stock shortages and stock exchangers’ action.
Even with accelerated production, it should still take time for Sony to recover financially. The PS5 had a great first year, selling faster between 2020 and 2021 than the PS4 at the time of release, between 2013 and 2014. However, arriving in 2022, the PS5 began to slow down and sell less than expected.
According to the company’s forecasts, a visible change is expected to happen between 2023 and 2024, at best. Until then, PS5 sales should remain below expectations.
Sony not only blames the chip crisis, but also cites logistical problems caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in recent months. From what it seems, the company needs to find new component suppliers, as well as alternative routes to transport its products.
