If you plan to pick up a PlayStation 5, you may be concerned about whether supplies will run out when the console releases. Well, there is good news. Sony plans to double PS5 production so that it can meet a higher demand this holiday season. That means that you are more likely to be able to get your hands on a console before supplies run out.
Sony Will Double PS5 Production to 10 Million Units
Bloomberg reports, “Sony Corp. is roughly doubling its PlayStation 5 production to 10 million units this year as it sees the prolonged effects of the Covid-19 pandemic boosting demand for gaming, according to people familiar with its plans.”
This is interesting, because at one point, we recall an analyst predicting that demand for the PS5 and Xbox Series X might be low because COVID-19 would suppress spending. But it makes sense that lockdowns might increase the demand for gaming despite reduced funds. So, maybe issues involving funds will suppress price, but that doesn’t mean that these new consoles will not fly off the shelves.
Plus, there may be snags with shipping that could result in shortages. Bloomberg explains, “Even with a boost to manufacturing, Sony may still be unable to put enough units on store shelves in the coming year-end holiday season due to shipping constraints, the people said. A large proportion of Sony’s consoles are made in China and sent out via sea around the world. It takes months for shipments to travel from China to the U.S. and Europe via ocean lines, and Nintendo Co. earlier this year had trouble refilling stock of its popular Switch console for this reason.”
So, the takeaway here is that you should still strongly think about pre-ordering the console even though Sony will double PS5 production. That way, you will not be stuck waiting for shipments to arrive after customers snap up the initial wave of consoles. For more updates about the PS5, see our PlayStation news.