The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have been hard to find since the two consoles launched in November, but it looks like the two may become even more scarce due to the global semiconductor shortages! According to The Guardian, the scarcity started after plant closures during the coronavirus pandemic. Although chip production has restarted, demand currently outstrips supply and it looks like it could have an impact in several different sectors. With Sony and Microsoft struggling to meet demand at the moment, the shortage could not come at a worse time for both companies and for the video game industry as a whole.
In the report for The Guardian, Neil Campling, media and technology analyst at Mirabaud, told the vehicle that the current level of demand is unprecedented.
“Chips are everything,” said Campling. “There is a perfect storm of supply and demand factors going on here. But basically, there is a new level of demand that cannot be kept up, everyone is in crisis and is getting worse.”
Of course, this news will be disheartening for those looking for a next-generation console. In recent months, retailers have made the PS5 and Xbox Series X incredibly difficult to find, and the lack of chips could exacerbate this problem. Sony launched an ambitious sales target of 6 million units before the launch of the PS5, and The Guardian says Sony may lose its goals as a result of the scarcity. Likewise, the Xbox Series X may remain scarce until the second half of 2021.
The news shows how much the coronavirus pandemic continues to present challenges for the video game industry. From changes to remote development, to cancellations of in-person e-sports competitions, it is clear that the impact of the pandemic on the industry will continue to be felt for a long time to come. Of course, GameStop is another company that can lose out in this situation. The retailer has had several difficult years between declining interest in PS4 and Xbox One and the coronavirus pandemic. GameStop had a strong fourth quarter in 2020 thanks to next-generation systems, but if the PS5 and Xbox Series X remain scarce, it could hurt the company’s progress.
It remains to be seen whether or not chip makers will be able to increase production to meet demand, but semiconductors are used in many different products, including cars, phones and TVs. Sony and Microsoft will have to compete with many other potential customers to secure more.
Have you managed to acquire a state-of-the-art console? Are you worried that the global shortage of chips will make them more difficult to find? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts directly on Twitter at @Marcdachamp to talk about all the gaming stuff!