what to buy one PS5 today it is practically impossible, it is nothing new. Since its launch in November 2020, Sony has had a hard time achieving smooth availability of its new console. In part this is due to the shortage of components that affects multiple industries, but also to the very high demand by the public. And for this reason, the Japanese corporation would have already defined its plan to counteract this lack, and it would imply neither more nor less than continue production of the PS4.
At first glance it doesn’t seem like a very original idea, because until now we never knew that Sony planned to remove the PS4 from its active catalog. However, internally the company’s plans would have been different. As published Bloomberg
The aforementioned report mentions that last year the Japanese reportedly informed their associates that they would continue with the production of the PlayStation 4 at least throughout 2022. Thus, the intention would be to maintain the previous model of the console as an attractive alternative for users, while taking pressure off the PS5. In any case, it is not mentioned if the continuity of the PS4 in the assembly line would be for all models – original, Slim and Pro -, or if one would be prioritized over another.
The PlayStation 4 would be Sony’s lifeline in the face of the PS5 shortage
If Sony reversed the PS4 discontinuation as a response to high demand for the PS5, there seems to be logic to that determination. First of all, the console originally released in 2013 requires less advanced chips than its most recent version. What’s more, Bloomberg He says that keeping the PlayStation 4 alive will allow Asians to negotiate better deals with their component suppliers.
And don’t forget the PS5’s backwards compatibility with most of the games released for its predecessor. Thus, someone who does not access the current console, but does have access to the previous model, will later be able to evolve from device to device without losing their titles. But this is not all; With more than 100 million units sold since its arrival on the market, the PS4 has a legacy as a best seller.
It is clear, however, that delaying the discontinuation of the PlayStation 4 it will not be a definitive solution to the shortage of the PlayStation 5. However, Sony can buy a little time and get some oxygen to try to normalize the supply of its latest console, something with which it has suffered practically since its launch.
Since the PS5 hit the market it has broken several sales records despite a lack of regular availability. It even seemed to take a significant advantage over the Xbox Series X | S in the race they started with their release; however the passing of the months has passed bill to Sony. In the final part of 2021, Asians were forced to cut their production expectations for the PS5 due to the impossibility of ensuring the necessary stock of components to meet their original goal.
