Sony reportedly limiting PlayStation 5 availability at launch

It might be difficult to get your hands on a PlayStation 5 at release as Sony is reportedly planning for a limited launch in its first year on the market.

Since the release of the first PlayStation in 1994, Sony has launched a new generation of console hardware every six to seven years. As the PlayStation 5 gears up for release at the tail end of 2020 however, it is reportedly set for a more limited launch than initially anticipated.

While Sony remains steadfast in its goal to release the console this calendar year and capitalize on the typical Christmas shopping period, it appears that the new launch will come with a few unique downsides.

An April 15 report from Bloomberg outlined how Sony intends to “produce far fewer units of its upcoming PlayStation 5” in comparison to previous hardware releases.

While the PlayStation 4 sold 7.5 million units at launch, the PlayStation 5 will reportedly peter out at “five to six million units in the fiscal year ending March 2021.” 

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Sony is allegedly approaching its new hardware launch with this strategy due to the “ambitious specs” of the new console ramping up its price tag. The hardware under the hood could lead to a lofty price point at release, forcing Sony to limit its mass production.

The report also outlined how Sony has no plans to delay the release of the console if the team at Microsoft isn’t delaying the release of the Xbox Series X.

Components are starting to be delivered to “PS5 assemblers” according to Bloomberg, with mass production set to commence by June. The company is also still aiming for a global launch as opposed to a staggered release around the world.

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It is worth keeping in mind that plans could change as the ongoing global situation continues to unfold. 

Software has already seen a major hit as many game developers have been forced to delay their titles indefinitely. There’s no telling how big of an impact this could have on the PlayStation 5’s intended launch lineup of games.

If you’re looking forward to setting up a PlayStation 5 on day one, you may just have to get your pre-order in early.