Despite the PS5’s launch taking place in November 2020, we’re still unsure as to the situation regarding its supply, with Sony sending mixed messages.
So, when can we expect to see the supply of the PS5 finally meet the demand?
Sony Says That Production Could Improve by Summer…
Despite the PS5 selling incredibly well, especially in America, the global chip shortage, console scalpers, and unrelenting demand for Sony’s flagship console all contribute to why you still haven’t got a PS5.
However, Sony has been working hard to counteract this problem, with Sony’s CEO Jim Ryan claiming that PS5 production is “ramping up over the summer”. Looking at the second half of 2021, Ryan continues to say that “we would hope to see some sort of return to normality in terms of the balance between supply and demand”.
This is definitely an optimistic outlook and could provide gamers with a lovely present come the 2021 holidays. However, with all the problems surrounding the PS5s logistics, it’ll be interesting to see whether Sony can significantly improve on the situation within just a few months.
… But It Also Says That PS5 Supply Won’t Meet Demand in 2021
So, Sony’s saying that PS5 production could ease up by the second half of 2021. That’s splendid news!
However, one party that suggests that PS5 supply won’t meet demand is, ironically, Sony.
Whilst simultaneously ramping up PS5 production and hoping to satisfy some demand, Sony has also admitted that PS5 demand will outstrip supply throughout 2021, with an unnamed source saying:
“I don’t think demand is calming down this year and even if we secure a lot more devices and produce many more units of the PlayStation 5 next year, our supply wouldn’t be able to catch up with demand.”
So, on one hand, Sony is saying that the balance of PS5 supply and demand “could return to normality” whilst also saying that its “supply wouldn’t be able to catch up with demand” in 2021 and potentially 2022. Strange.
When Will PS5 Production Meet Demand?
Sony’s mixed messages aren’t really clarifying when PS5 production will meet demand. So, looking at what we know, let’s make an educated guess when PS5 production will finally meet demand.
Whilst Sony looks to produce many more PS5s over the summer, that doesn’t change the fact that there’s an ongoing global chip shortage that’s affecting the gaming industry, as well as other major industries, which isn’t likely to let up this year.
What this means is that, whilst Sony might produce more PS5s in the short-term—perhaps satisfying holiday season, though it’s unlikely, to be honest—those stocks likely will dip back down to what we’re currently experiencing before too long. You should still expect to see small stock drops gone within seconds being the norm.
Besides this, console scalpers have been drying up what little PS5 stock there is. And, without the correct anti-scalping practices put in place, they’ll only be looking to further exploit the surge of PS5s.
Taking this all into account, we might see PS5 production satisfy demand by mid to late 2022. The global chip shortage could let up by then and, although the PS5 is a wildly sought-after console, as time goes on the demand will steadily fall, hopefully leaving stock readily available by that point.
It sounds like ages away, but remember when we all thought there’d be ample PS5s by March? It’s best to err on the side of patience to prevent yourself from being disappointed repeatedly.
Will You Try to Get a PS5 During the Holidays?
With Sony both saying that it’ll ramp up PS5 production and that PS5 supply will outstrip demand in 2021, even the tech giant is unsure of when PS5 production will finally meet demand.
An educated guess could be that the PS5 could meet demand in the second half of 2022, but there could be a small surge of PS5 stock during the 2021 holidays.
Regardless of when the PS5 is readily available, there are plenty of things you can do whilst you wait.
