New Version Of The PS5 Being Considered By Sony Due To Parts Shortage
Although console owners have come to expect a redesigned PlayStation as a Slim or a Pro a few years down the line, there are claims that Sony could have to redesign the PlayStation 5 in a big way. If you've been able to get your hands on a PS5 (you lucky sod), you've probably been enjoying the next-gen console to its full potential. Since its release in November 2020, the PS5 has had a steady stream of games. It's just a shame there hasn't been a steady stream of consoles.
Despite problems with manufacturing, the PS5 has been a runaway success and edged ahead of Microsoft's offering with the Xbox Series X/S. Neither side has managed to surpass Nintendo's bumper sales with the Switch, but remember that it's going for a largely different market. Even though the PS5 packs one hell of a punch, it was criticised for its boxy size and being known as a giant Wi-Fi router. As players hope for a PS5 Slim, there's an update that puts a different idea forward.
Aside from the overwhelming popularity of gamers clambering over each other to try and nab a PS5, the COVID-19 pandemic hasn't helped things in terms of Sony getting the parts it needs to ensure consoles are flying off the conveyor. It's thanks to this shortage of components that Sony is apparently rethinking its strategy for how the PS5 is built. With a redesign on the horizon, it might mean you can actually get hold of a PS5 this time around.
Why does Sony need to redesign the PS5?
According to Kantan Games analyst Dr. Serkan Toto (via VGC) the redesigned PS5 will include a “new semi-customized” 6nm CPU from AMD. It comes after Hiroki Totoki, Sony Chief Financial Officer, admitted a shortage of semi-conductors are behind the lack of consoles. Adding fuel to the rumours that a new PS5 is on the way, T3 reports that Totoki said, "The shortage of semiconductors is one factor, but there are other factors that will impact on the production volume. So, at present, we’d like to aim at [surpassing] second year sales of 14.8 million, which was the second year of PS4".
Expanding on how Sony is going to smash past the second-year sales target, he added, "For example, we could find maybe a secondary resource, or by changing the design". It definitely sounds like a revamped PS5 is on the way, it might just not be the big change we hoped for. The site calls it a "win" for everyone. Alongside a boom in the number of PS5s to help alleviate those stock woes, those who've already got one would end up with a rare First Edition console that comes with extra silicon.
When could Sony release a redesign for the PS5?
Even though it wouldn't the drastically overhauled PS5 on the outside, the redesign could be with us in the second or third quarter of 2022. Totoki previously warned stock levels aren't likely to improve before the end of the financial year that ends on March 31, 2022. Looking at the figures, Sony shipped a whopping 4.5 million PS5s in its first quarter, followed by another 3.3 million in the quarter that just ended on March 31. It's an impressive (if frustrating) legacy to leave behind.
With Sony recording the biggest console launch of all time for the PS5, is anyone really shocked that finding one has been like tracking down a unicorn? The PlayStation 5 continues to be like gold dust as everyone scrambles to find one. Still, that hasn't stopped critics calling out a lack of updates on exclusives and some disappointing State of Play presentations. On the other side, Microsoft is forging ahead with its acquisition of Bethesda and rumours of a Hideo Kojima exclusive.
Sony clearly has a plan for the future of the PlayStation 5, so it's good news that we're at least off to a strong start in terms of sales. A redesigned PS5 that changes a few things under the hood probably won't debut to too much fanfare, but if it means more of us will be able to play, we say, have at it.
Images via Sony