Sony says buying a PlayStation 5 should be much easier from now on

[midian182]

What just happened? It's amazing to think that since it launched in November 2020, getting hold of a PlayStation 5 has often required a lot of luck, money, or both, the result of a chronic global shortage of the consoles caused by demand far outweighing supply. But according to Sony, the situation has finally come to an end.

Jim Ryan, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, spoke about the PS5 shortages during the company's CES presentation. "Everyone who wants a PS5 should have a much easier time finding one at retailers globally, starting from this point forward," he said. Ryan went on to thank fans for their patience over the last two years.

Sony also revealed the PS5's latest sales figures. Worldwide console sales have now reached 30 million, marking an increase of around 5 million since the last time the numbers were announced in November. That places the PlayStation 5 just behind the Sega Genesis on the best-selling consoles of all time list and close to the Nintendo 64's 32.93 million lifetime sales.

The chip shortage and lockdowns meant buying a PlayStation 5 in the wake of its launch was almost impossible unless you were willing to pay scalper prices that often doubled or tripled the MSRP. The desperation led to one person being shot during an attempted robbery of a PS5.

Sony claimed the shortages had improved last summer, though buying one of the machines usually meant paying extra for a bundle pack that included several games and/or accessories like a headset.

It appears that the problems haven't disappeared entirely just yet. Both the standalone disk and digital versions of the console are out of stock at Best Buy, leaving only the God of War: Ragnarök bundles available. Sony's online store, meanwhile, has just the digital version and Ragnarök bundle in stock. It's a similar story in the UK, though it's the digital version that's more difficult to find.

Better PlayStation 5 stock levels would help Sony move more of its $549.99 PSVR2 units when they arrive next month, assuming the VR headsets don't also suffer from shortage problems.

One factor that could improve availability are the rumors that a PS5 Pro will arrive this year, which could influence some people's decision to buy a PS5.

h/t: The Verge

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/97172-sony-buying-playstation-5-much-easier-now.html

 

[dangh]

It is really much easier to get it. There were a normal supply just before christmass in my gamestop, and there is another large batch coming next week. A number of my friends were able to easily buy one and that wasn't possible just a month ago.

 

[Burty117]

I doubt a PS5 Pro is going to appear this year. We've barely had any next gen games come out yet, the PS5 hasn't fully stretched it's legs as it is.

Glad to see availability is getting better though, it's a great console.

 

[NintPlayBox]

It was easy most of the time....you just had to go to a store every now and then instead of just relaying on online stock.

 

[amghwk]

Too late. I got the Series X instead.

 

[oasked]

When will they finally move the left analog stick to where it should be? (I.e. the same position as the Xbox or Switch Pro controller)

I loved the idea of the exclusives on the Playstation, but got a Series S instead as it was cheap and came with a controller that I like much more (in addition to my gaming PC).

 

[PEnnn]

I guess Sony had a nice chat with their scalpers.

 

[dangh]

Too late. I got the Series X instead.

you do realise availability of both were actually the same?

 

[Julio Franco]

I also bought a PS5 for xmas, bought it from a retailer at MSRP and I'm thoroughly impressed after skipping the previous generation.

 

[Tom Yum]

I'm waiting on the inevitable PS5 Slim rather than any PS5 Pro. Current PS5 is chunky as, hopefully with a 4nm die shrink Sony can shrink it down to at least OG PS4 size.

 

[Julnor]

I might grab the digital edition rather than an overpriced GPU.

 

[Mak Kien Leong]

2 years later, still only 1 game I will play. Most games comes out for PC as well.

 

[chris2004]

Buy a PS5 ha ha impossible here in Asia

 

[Watzupken]

you do realise availability of both were actually the same?

I feel it was easier to get hold of a Xbox Series X than a PS5. Even now, I see Xbox Series X in stores but not PS5.

 

[scavengerspc]

Jim Ryan, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, spoke about the PS5 shortages during the company's CES presentation. "Everyone who wants a PS5 should have a much easier time finding one at retailers globally, starting from this point forward,"

Very nice, and NOT in time for the just ended 2022 holiday season.
Sony, I like my PS5... fine, but in the grand scheme you never fail to be unimpressive.