The PlayStation 5 And Xbox Series X/S Shortage May Finally Be Slowing Down

When the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S launched in November 2020, I think most of us presumed that the only barrier standing between us and a new-gen console was saving up a few pennies. We could hardly have expected the shortages to come.

To this day, gamers across the globe are still trying to get their hands on a new-gen console which are still incredibly elusive. Having been through the cycle myself, I know the feeling all too well. You set the Twitter and Discord alerts, react with lightning speed, get the console in your basket, only for it to sell out when you're one page away from checking out. I remember the day I finally held my PlayStation 5 in my hands, not quite processing that the ordeal was over.

Take a look at this lucky guy who was surprised by his wife with a PlayStation 5.

I’d love to tell you that the shortages are over, but that’s not quite the case. I can tell you though, that the shortages are starting to show signs of easing as GPU chips become more readily available from manufacturers.

According to Reuters, a drop in demand and prices means that GPU chips are slowly becoming more readily available. Companies producing semiconductors like Intel and Qualcomm are reporting increased stock and Reuters believes that stocks of GPU chips will soon reach surplus status.

To date, gaming consoles haven’t been very high on the GPU chip priority list. Instead, the majority of manufactured GPU chips have been used in the construction of home appliances, cars, and other smart home devices like computers. As supply chains catch up, the allocation of chips will increase for consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

The Xbox Series X has already become more readily available in recent months, but be warned - it’s still going to be quite some time before you walk into your local store and simply pick up a PlayStation 5. With the shortage seemingly starting to draw to an end though, it’ll be interesting to see if both Sony and Microsoft move ahead with more new-gen exclusive games as more people finally acquire new-gen consoles.