Since its launch in November 2020, the stock of PlayStation 5 has been extremely limited. Problems with shortages of chips have meant Sony has reconsidered its plan to phase out the best-selling PlayStation 4. According to Bloomberg, the Japanese company had planned to discontinue the PS4 in 2021, something Sony has denied. The availability of PlayStation 4 parts means Sony can add around 1 million units to the market in 2022.
Previously, PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan said he wanted the company to make a quick transition to PlayStation 5. Mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic, plans have changed. Production of these sought-after consoles have paused over recent years due to work-from-home. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has even said in September these shortages will continue well into 2022.
From Sony’s view, many would argue it makes sense to continue to make PS4s this year. Exclusives Horizon Forbidden West, God of War: Ragnarok and Gran Turismo 7 are all coming to PS4 as well as PS5. Producing more PS4s will enable more players to join the PlayStation ecosystem and enjoy these games.
To date, Sony has sold 116 million PS4 units and this looks set to continue into 2022.
