PlayStation 5 Production Is 'Speeding Up' - So You Can Finally Get One
If you've struggled to get your gaming mits on a PlayStation 5 since the next-gen console's launch last November, you're not alone. Despite Sony's latest addition to the PlayStation family selling great guns, it hasn't exactly been easy to get a hold of one. Now, Sony has promised we might not see as many of those stock alert emails.
With so much under the hood of the PlayStation 5, it's cemented itself as a truly next-gen console. That being said, problems with supply chains and semiconductors during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic mean production has been a little sluggish.
Thankfully, Sony is reportedly "speeding up" PS5 production as we head into the second half of 2021.
How is PlayStation 5 production speeding up?
Speaking at a recent Sony Group shareholder meeting (via ResetEra), Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida vowed to increase production in the next fiscal year. In fact, he predicts over 22.6 million PS5's will sell per year. If this is the case, it would give the PS5 the highest yearly sales of any Sony console. Previously, the original PlayStation held this honour.
If Yoshida's roadmap goes to plan, it fits with Sony Interactive Entertainment Jim Ryan's promises last month, where the PlayStation boss said Sony will "make sure FY2022 will be the highest year" for sales. In fact, Sony is so confident it can meet demand for the PS5, it's encouraging gamers to buy a second console - because of course it is.
Buying expert Wario64 pointed out that PS5 purchase invitations are being sent to gamers - even if you've already bought one through the PlayStation Direct program. The invite cuts out the middleman and gives you a short window where you'll be able to nab a PS5 without having to repeatedly hit refresh on a retailer site. While most people struggle to get even one PS5, the idea of getting another will surely lead to a rise in scalping.
How well is the PS5 selling?
Only recently, we covered how Sony has officially crossed the milestone target of 9 million PS5s sold. As it stands, the PS5 is streaks ahead of the Xbox Series X/S and has continued to sell well during the pandemic. Neither Sony nor Microsoft have come close to touching the runaway success of the Nintendo Switch, but remember that the House Mario built has a three-year headstart on its rivals.
As for improved production on the PlayStation 5, the latest update jars against previous reports that the PS5 will "struggle" to meet stock levels until 2022. Just months ago, Sony Chief Financial Officer, Hiroki Totoki, said PS5 "supply wouldn’t be able to catch up with demand". We're not sure what's changed in such a short space of time, but let's remember there were also reports of redesigned PS5 that will get rid of some problem components that are still hard to come by.
If Sony seems adamant that shelves will soon be overflowing with that big white box, who are we to complain? For those diehard gamers who are still dreaming of booting up a PS5 to play Demon's Souls or Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, your luck could be about to change.
