try to get one PS5 in the last two years it has not been possible to describe it in any other way than as torture. Since Sony introduced its next-generation video game console, in November 2020, getting hold of a unit has been practically impossible. High demand, few units available, chip shortages, speculators, scalpers and price gouging were the ingredients for a recipe for disaster. But the Japanese now say that this is a thing of the past.
During its presentation at CES 2023, Jim RyanCEO de Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), assured that the shortage of the PS5 is over. An ambitious claim, certainly, and one that the Japanese company will now have to back up with facts. “Everyone who wants a PS5 will have a much easier time finding one in retail stores around the world from now on,” he said.
The executive took advantage of his moment on stage to announce that Sony has sold more than 30 million PS5s since its launch. A very interesting figure, considering that at the beginning of last November it had reported the sale of 25 million units; which makes it clear that its sales pace has accelerated considerably in the final part of 2022. In fact, Ryan himself assured that December was the best month for the video game console in its short history.
“We appreciate the support and patience of the PlayStation community as we meet unprecedented demand, amid the global challenges of the last two years,” added the SIE CEO during his appearance at CES.
The shortage of PS5 finally gives truce
If what Jim Ryan said is accurate, hereinafter shouldn’t be so hard anymore
In some countries, the digital edition was easier to find through the official Sony store. But luck was mixed when trying to find it through third-party platforms. The version with a disc drive, meanwhile, was even more complex to obtain, unless it was in a special edition with a game already included. The problem with the latter is that users ended up being forced to pay a couple hundred bucks more than the recommended retail price for the console alone.
It becomes clear that the timing The announcement of the apparent end of the PS5 shortage is not accidental. Let’s not forget that Sony is preparing for the launch of the PlayStation VR2, your new virtual reality headset designed around your next-generation console. It will be launched on February 22 and its standard version will cost 599.99 dollars in Europe.
It is expected that the premiere of the new headset by Sony help push PS5 sales in your top markets. According to Jim Ryan, more than 30 games will be available on PlayStation VR2 upon launch. Among them, Gran Turismo 7the VR version of which will arrive as a free update for those who already own the game.
Everything indicates that the PS5 is preparing for a great 2023. And let’s not forget that there is a good chance that the first major revision of the console will be released this year. Some dare to predict a PS5 Slim or a PS5 Proalthough the details in this regard are scarce or non-existent.