Sony’s PlayStation 5 gaming console has sold more than 10 million units since its launch in November, outstripping sales of its predecessor even as the Japanese firm grapples with a global chip shortage.
The PS5, which offers cutting-edge graphics and faster loading times than the PS4, is in short supply as the Covid-19 pandemic strains global semiconductor supply chains while demand has risen amid a gaming boom with more people staying at home.
“We’ve built more PlayStations faster than we ever have before, which makes me happy. But we’re some time from being able to meet all the demand that’s out there, which makes me feel bad,” Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan said via e-mail. “Our partners are performing really well for us, but the chip shortage is definitely a challenge that we are all navigating.”
Boosted by exclusive games likes Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which has sold more than 6.5 million copies, PS5 sales have outstripped the PS4. It took Sony around nine months to sell 10 million units of the PS4, which had a staggered launch. More than 100 million units of the console have been sold since November 2013.
Electronics makers warn of deepening semiconductor shortages, with Apple on Tuesday saying the shortfall is affecting iPhone production.
Strong slate
“Sony’s deep expertise in supply-chain management for consumer electronics has enabled it to weather the worst impacts of the pandemic even during the launch of a new product,” said Piers Harding-Rolls, head of games research at Ampere Analysis.
Sony sees demand for the PS5 continuing even as vaccinations spur easing of curbs on going out, Ryan said. A strong games slate will be crucial to maintain momentum amid competition from Microsoft’s rival Xbox device, analysts say. The group forecasts PS5 hardware sales of at least 14.8 million units in the year to March. — Reported by Sam Nussey, (c) 2021 Reuters