Bloomberg reports that Sony is allegedly planning to double its production of PlayStation 5 units to 10 million, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Previously we reported Bloomberg’s claims that the console’s production will be “limited” in its first year due to difficulties in acquiring the components and assembly thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. This may have been why the DualSense controller was revealed before the console itself.
At the time, Bloomberg cited “people familiar with the matter.” Now Bloomberg report that “according to people familiar with its plans,” Sony is doubling their planned production to 10 million units.
Mass production reportedly began in June. The goal is allegedly to build 5 million units by the end of September, with the other 5 million coming between October and December. The DualSense controller production was reportedly originally 10 million, though this is also being increased.
While the coronavirus should be inhibiting production, the reason for this increase is due to (in Bloombergs words) “the prolonged effects of the Covid-19 pandemic boosting demand for gaming.”
Many certainly have turned to gaming due to the quarantine orders, with the video games industry having its best March sales since 2008. The Japanese Heath Ministry recently discovered antibodies in Japan that can neutralize the coronavirus. However, a study by the UK’s King’s College London claims that those with immunity will lose it after three months.
Bloomberg explains that fears of new wave of infections as quarantine orders lift could keep people inside. Even so, Bloomberg’s anonymous sources claim Sony may struggle to get the console on shelves due to shipping constraints.
As “a large proportion” of PlayStation 5’s are reportedly being made in China, shopping from there to the US and Europe could take months. This was reportedly the reason for Nintendo Switch shortages early this year. Even air shipping may not be viable, due to airlines running at a reduced rate.
Nikkei Asian Review reports from its sources that PlayStation originally planned to produce 6 million units, which has increased to “around 9 million.”
Bloomberg had previously used their sources to report that Sony were taking a “wait-and-see approach“ to the console’s pricing (when compared to Microsoft’s Xbox Series X). Back then Bloomberg estimates the PlayStation 5 will retail for $470 USD. A now-removed listing on PlayAsia had the price of $699.99 USD, for both the standard and digital editions.
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