Going into 2020 there was plenty of anticipation for the video game industry. We knew that both Sony and Microsoft had big plans to bring out their next-generation platforms. While the unveiling and likely planned events were thrown off thanks to the current health outbreak pandemic known as the coronavirus, it wasn’t going to stop either company from ensuring their platform would hit the marketplace. Now we’re finding out that Sony is already hitting the production hard for the PlayStation 5 and the goal is believed to be 10 million units produced by the end of this year.
As you likely already experienced and may still be experiencing today is the stay at home orders. The new orders that forced individuals to quarantine at home and with this virus we’ve seen several employees working remotely for their designated jobs along with schools shutting down early or turn into homeschooling for the remainder of the school year. This virus that had so many forced to stay home also saw a massive increase in video game console purchases. With kids requiring some form of entertainment while the parents worked or even adults looking to get into gaming along with trying a new platform, we’ve seen several units fly off the shelves.
There were some issues with keeping certain items in stock. Nintendo had trouble and is still facing trouble with the lack of Nintendo Switch units. There was a comment made not too long ago in which Nintendo’s president believed the stock should start to normalize again this summer. That’s of course if we are not hit with another massive wave of the coronavirus.
We’re still seeing numbers climb up in the United States and while there is the threat of a second wave coming this fall, it looks like Sony is hoping to avoid the lack of units available for the PlayStation 5. According to a report made by Bloomberg, a source claims that Sony is doubling the production planned for the PlayStation 5. While originally slated to have 5 million units available by March of 2021, that number has jumped to 10 million being available by December of this year.
If the source proves to be correct, the main reason for the jump in production is to avoid struggling to get units available for those that may find another influx of coronavirus cases which may force individuals back into quarantine. Still, the actual delivery of these units may prove problematic as it can take months with ocean liner shipments reaching certain destinations from China, where the PlayStation 5 is being manufactured. Furthermore, while we know that Sony is prepping to get the PlayStation 5 out into the market this holiday season, we’re still waiting to see just how much this console platform will set us back.
