You May Finally Get Your Hands On A PS5
Supply and demand are the cornerstones of any good business. However, the current generation of gaming has hit a stumbling block. Thanks to complications arising from the pandemic, next-gen console supplies have been at an all-time low, and scalpers have grabbed the few Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 consoles that have actually hit digital store shelves. Because the majority of product stock has been in scalper hands, desperate audiences shelled out millions of dollars when they couldn't obtain a console through more legitimate means. Now, Sony is hoping to put all that in the past.
According to the Japanese financial outlet Nikkei (translation and summary provided by Video Games Chronicle), Sony is doubling down on PS5 production, both in terms of physical hardware and game software. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan admitted that console supply was lacking as of late, but he hopes to ramp up manufacturing.
Ryan explained, "There are several reasons why PS5 was hard to come by. Supply under the new coronavirus was very complicated, and we had to limit distribution to online. The supply and demand for semiconductors is also tight worldwide. We are asking our suppliers to allow us to increase production, which will flow into the market this year."
While Ryan's hopes hinge on suppliers, if his plan materializes, gamers who otherwise might have been forced to pay through the nose for a scalped PS5 might finally obtain a console at market price. And none too soon since Sony is preparing for a deluge of quality PS5 titles.
"We have been quietly but steadily investing in high-quality games for PlayStation, and we will make sure that the PS5 generation will have more dedicated software than ever before. We have repeatedly engaged in mergers and acquisitions, including Insomniac Games in the US. We will not rule out that option in the future," stated Ryan.
One good example of these anticipated "high quality games for PlayStation" is "Returnal," which received a delay in 2021, but is now set to release on April 30. Outlets such as TechRadar and IGN, as well as YouTubers like Skill Up, have already received advance copies of the game and posted hands-on previews. The general consensus is positive, but without an increased supply of PS5 consoles, few gamers will get to experience the title, let alone purchase it, which could spell disaster for "Returnal" developer Housemarque.
Don't expect stores to stock a ton of extra PS5 consoles in time for "Returnal," but do expect scalpers to feel the pressure when that stock finally becomes available.