It is no secret that the PlayStation 5's launch was a massive success for Sony. Several months ago, the PS5 was able to break a significant record after earning the title of the fastest-selling console in US history. As impressive as that title may be, it is worth remembering that the PS5 is still out of stock despite this huge milestone, and many are still unable to get their hands on the latest console.
For months now, most PlayStation fans are still stuck monitoring restocks of the console. Often, days and weeks would go by without any new updates on when restocks are expected to happen, and when retailers do restock, they're usually gone in a matter of minutes. However, with Sony being a large multinational company, many wonder why it struggles to keep up with the demand. While many factors contribute to the shortage, here are the major reasons why the PS5 is still out of stock six months after launch.
PS5 Components Shortage
Unsurprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the culprits that contributed to the PS5 shortage. Sony is unable to ramp up production of the PS5 because crucial components are currently in short supply. It is worth remembering that the PS5 uses chips made by AMD, which is an American semiconductor company. However, companies such as AMD only design these chips, and the actual production is outsourced to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Like every other company, the TSMC is struggling to keep up with demand due to the effects of the pandemic that forced people into their homes, affecting its ability to produce these chips.
It is worth noting that Sony isn't the only one facing this dilemma, given that Microsoft and other electronics companies are also struggling to procure necessary components for their products. Last February, US President Joe Biden announced that an investigation would be made after Sony, Microsoft, and 15 other companies alongside the US Chamber of Commerce wrote a letter asking for help. For now, it remains to be seen whether the continuous rollout of COVID-19 vaccines will help alleviate production delays.
However, it is now being reported that Sony is already looking into redesigning the PS5 with a new chip to alleviate supply shortages. While this is yet to be confirmed by Sony, insiders believe that the said chip will be a semi-customized 6nm CPU from AMD. Additionally, reports claim that the chip would be cheaper to manufacture, though whether what benefits it would provide remains to be a mystery.
Scalpers and Bots
Given that the PS5 is one of the hottest video game hardware there is right now, it is not a surprise that some people have resorted to scalping. Since its launch in November, the PS5 has appeared on third-party websites with prices three times or more than MSRP. What's infuriating is that some resellers can restock PS5s faster than authorized retailers. Early this year, hopeful PS5 owners went ballistic after a notorious scalping group bragged about having bought at least 2,000 units of the PS5.
While retailers have claimed to have placed security measures to prevent scalping, browsing through third-party reseller sites proves that the practice is still ongoing. At the moment, it remains unclear when stocks of the PS5 will stabilize. Unfortunately, industry insiders predict that the PS5 shortage may last until the middle of 2022.