The PS5 shortage in Japan and Asia has been “resolved,” according to Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO Jim Ryan. Here’s what that could mean for the rest of the world looking forward to next year.
Speaking at the recent annual PlayStation Partner Awards, Ryan addressed PS5 availability issues in the region and mentioned how the company will be “delivery able” through 2023, according to the official Japanese PlayStation blog. (Opens in a new tab).
We’ve covered PS5 scarcity extensively over the past couple of years since the system hit the market in November 2020. Although PS5 restocks seem to be improving in the West, with up to a 400% increase in shipments for God of War Ragnarok, many People are still struggling to get their hands on the console.
Despite the supply issues the PS5 has suffered since release, that didn’t stop Sony from selling more than 20 million units earlier in the year, according to SIE’s head of global sales Veronica Rogers in an interview with Gamesindustry.biz. Rogers claimed that he will be “planning to significantly ramp up PS5 production this year”. Now, at the end of 2022, things look more optimistic for console stock than at any other time since launch.
With Ryan promising that the shortage is virtually over in his home country, time will tell if it becomes easier to access for those who have to experience some of the best PS5 games. If you can get your hands on a PS5, these are the first three games you need to play.
Will the PS5 be more available in 2023?
Judging by the fact that we’ve seen PS5 availability increase in the US and UK over the course of the year, it’s likely that more people will be able to get their hands on the console. UK residents had the choice of bundles from major retailers throughout the second half of this year. In America, retailers like Best Buy (Opens in a new tab) and amazon (Opens in a new tab) The console is offered on a click-and-combine basis or by invitation, respectively. Hopefully next year the shortage will end completely.
Why is the PS5 still so hard to find in stores?
The simple answer is that the semiconductor shortage caused by the global pandemic still has far-reaching consequences after nearly three years. The hardware manufacturer has made efforts to adapt to these unforeseen circumstances, as internal motherboards have changed several times over the years. A PS5 price increase has also been introduced to try to make more consoles and get them out the door also in the summer. Next year will prove whether these controversial decisions are worth the time.
