Finding PS5 or Xbox Series X stocks has been a bit of a lottery since the console launch in November last year, with several factors impacting Sony and Microsoft’s ability to meet demand.
One of the biggest bottlenecks affecting supply, however, is the continuing global shortage of semiconductors – and that spurred President Joe Biden to act.
Reuters reports that the president is seeking $ 37 billion to finance legislation to help boost chip manufacturing in the U.S. to make up for the semiconductor deficit.
“I am instructing senior management officials to work with industry leaders to identify solutions to the semiconductor deficit,” said Biden. “Congress authorized a bill, but they need … $ 37 billion to make sure we have that capacity. I will insist on that too. “
Biden signed an executive order to start a 100-day review of supply chains for four essential products: semiconductor chips, rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals and large-capacity batteries for electric vehicles.
Presidential powers
AMD, which makes the custom GPU and CPU chips found within the PS5 and Xbox Series X, has already warned that the chip shortage will continue to restrict supply, with Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan also highlighting the continuing shortage of semiconductors as one of the factors for PS5 supply problems in a recent interview.
Microsoft also said earlier that the Xbox Series X stock shortage could continue until June.
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed how some countries depend on imports, especially electronic components and medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment.
While President Biden’s executive order will not help you secure a PS5 or Xbox Series X in the near future, it should mean that the type of stock shortages we are facing will be much less impactful if a similar crisis occurs below the line.