Since the global pandemic began, there have been ongoing supply shortages in the tech industry. On the video game front, companies like Microsoft have struggled to keep up with customer demand and scalpers haven't helped, either.
Even after last year's launch, the Xbox Series X is still hard to get hold of, and it's no different if you're interested in a PlayStation 5. While Microsoft and other companies like AMD previously mentioned how they were expecting shortages to continue in the near future, it seems production may take a little longer to return to normal than expected.
The Japanese company Toshiba has revealed to Bloomberg how it won't be able to meet the demand for power-regulating chips for almost another year (and potentially right through to 2023) - impacting the automotive industry, consumer electronics and industrial industry.
Here's what a director in charge of one of Toshiba's semiconductors units had to say about it:
“The supply of chips will remain very tight until at least September next year... In some cases, we may find some customers not being fully served until 2023.”
Unsurprisingly, console hardware manufacturers are some of the most concerned about these issues, according to the same Toshiba employee:
“We consider which customer faces the most severe situation, such as the risk of the whole production line halting or the business getting obliterated without the supply of chips... Game console makers are among the customers making the strongest demands and I’m sincerely sorry for their frustration as none of them have a 100% satisfaction.”
While this report isn't directly tied to the Xbox Series X|S or its own production (Xbox isn't mentioned at all by name), it nevertheless suggests that Microsoft and other tech manufacturers could be facing struggles to meet consumer demand for at least another year due to supply shortages.
Did you have any issues getting hold of an Xbox Series X in the end? Leave a comment down below.
[source bloomberg.com, via kotaku.com]
Comments 24
Really blow my mind see how much of a mess this gen's launch is. At the same tame, it always makes me extremely thankful that my girlfriend and I were able to get out Series Xes day 1.
I bet the scalpers are happy with this news
I'm immensely grateful I managed to get a Series X. The fact Game pass and cloud are marrying should hopefully open up some more doors for those who have to wait to get a next gen console.
I didn't really think much of getting both consoles at launch but it turns out I was incredibly lucky and I sometimes feel a bit guilty having both new consoles when some people cannot get one
Man i'm so glad i was able to secure a Series X day one..
This really is a shame as I'm enjoying my XSX & XSS so much.
A chip shortage won't hurt as much as it would have in the past though, at least many will have the option of Xcloud to fill in in the meantime.
Not to much trouble getting the consoles not all for me but for friends as well.
So far 3 PS5 disc edition and 4 Series x.
Scalping on a site in the UK not eBay, had died now massively over the last few months.
The scalping is a lot less and there is a lot less money in it.
That's really blows for everyone still trying to get a new console. It almost makes me feel bad for having 2 Xbox Series S and a 1 1 Series X and 2 Ps5
Additionally in the UK there is no issues getting Series S as they don’t sell that well, but sell slowly over time. They are on shop shelf’s to buy all the time. If any one wants one of them try Smyths Toys UK.
I’m just glad I lucked out getting the PS5 and Xbox Series X with little trouble, because I really feel for anyone wanting to get hold of one for the next couple years especially during holiday periods.
By 2023 the global copper shortage will probably have kicked into high gear.
Got a seris x when there seemed to be a few about, but only got a ps5 from pure luck, cus I wandered into game and someone had just cancelled a pre order.
Its a bit of a downer especially coming up to crimbo.
@uptownsoul
I was referring to the UK only as I live in the UK.
always available in the UK now, they sell but very very slowly for a new console.
But it gives some that can’t afford or wait for a series x the chance to join in on Xbox which is a good thing.
i am still wanting a series x and cannot get one yet
Pretty interesting times, hitting resource limits from fish to computer chips. Think cloud gaming will be a big help in helping address some of the demand issues, even though it's also constrained by the chip shortage as well
@UltimateOtaku91 no kidding.
I have an X Box X and because a lot of games i have/plan to get are enhanced on Series X i definitely want one by next November as i also plan to get a 42" LG OLED.
If they are still not easily available at that time i will be willing to pay extra and get one from CEX or Game.
glad I got my Series X at launch for "almost" retail price. I'm unable to get a graphic card for my PC but the Xbox and Gamepass allow me to play to last AAA titles in good conditions.
....But This chip shortage insanity and the mining imbeciles are driving me nuts.
This is getting old. I really want a next gen console but I’m not willing to jump through all the hoops and I’ll never give a dime to a scalper.
"In the end?" This has not ended! Near impossible to get Series X in Australia.
Ended up getting the Series S which is perfect for my 1080 60hz TV and now I'm enjoying FH4 at 60fps and lovin' it!
@uptownsoul
Yes in UK Series x and PS5 both very in high demand and sell out straight away.
I think the series s has its place but I still think a disc less series x at £360 the same as the disc less PS5 would have been another good option for Xbox. Has you get the full power of series x for £360. That is were PS5 as a little advantage there.
Maybe Microsoft might do it one day.
I’m all digital this generation and with game pass so it would have suited me perfectly, I don’t use the disc at all in my series x.
@species8472
Keep trying to get a series x, I have managed 4 series x so far one for me and 3 for friends.
You just have to be on it when they come up for sale, I have been most successful at Argos and Symths toys when they drop store stock.
Also you could consider Xbox All Access it is Interest free.
As for the LG tv, I have a LG C1 it is amazing with series x. I’m on the beta programme and it’s is running full Dolby Atoms and Vision also at 120hz.
It’s like the tv is made for series x, also no hand shaking issues etc.
I have a Series X pre-ordered for the next batch at eb games in October. In the meantime I've been using the Series S, which is a great little system.
Maybe if the internet was fast enough then the game streaming would have helped with a lot of this problem.
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