The current situation is that Xbox and PS5 are still in short supply, and it has a lot to do with luck to actually get a next-gen console. Now the hardware manufacturer Toshiba has stated that the shortage could last until 2023.
The Japanese company Toshiba was once one of the largest manufacturers of electronic devices. Its portfolio includes laptops, televisions, memory, and also microchips, which are used in devices like calculators.
Toshiba also manufactures high-performance chips that are used in cars and entertainment devices.
A Toshiba employee stated to Bloomberg that “the supply of chips will remain very tight until at least September next year,” adding that “some customers may not be fully serviced until 2023” (via bloomberg.com).
The employee did not name any direct customers, but the head of Toshiba also commented on the situation. In particular, console manufacturers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are among the customers demanding the most chips.
Semiconductor shortage lasts until 2023, especially affecting game consoles
What does the Toshiba CEO say? The head of Toshiba, Takeshi Kamebuchi, explained that the current situation is particularly difficult for other manufacturers. One reason is both material shortages and a high demand for semiconductor chips, which currently exceed the production capacities of the company. He explains (via gamesradar.com):
We are considering which customer is facing the hardest situation, for example, with the risk of the entire production line coming to a halt or the business being ruined without the delivery of chips… The manufacturers of game consoles are among the customers who are making the strongest demands, and I sincerely regret their frustration, as none of them [manufacturers] are 100% satisfied.
Takeshi Kamebuchi, CEO of Toshiba
What is actually the problem? Kamebuchi explains that the shortage of semiconductor chips cannot simply be circumvented. Microsoft and Sony may choose other producers for other components, but this is not so easy with semiconductor chips. According to Kamebuchi, this is mainly due to safety certifications.
By the way, Toshiba is not alone in pointing out a shortage. The manufacturer Nvidia also states that the shortage may last a long time. Here too, 2023 is mentioned.
Semiconductors are in almost every modern electronic device
Who needs semiconductors at all? Semiconductors are used and deployed in many areas including:
- Processors and graphics chips
- Cars
- Refrigerators
- Power supplies for other devices
In everyday life, you encounter semiconductors in many places. Without semiconductors, you couldn’t use your computer, your smartphone, or other everyday devices. Without semiconductors, you couldn’t even turn the ignition key in your car, as there is also a chip in there.
This is why they are in high demand: Due to the Corona pandemic, many people have moved to home office. And here, people need the right devices. This includes laptops, printers, or other office devices. Moreover, people naturally also want to game at home when they cannot or are not allowed to meet outside. Additionally, due to the US trade war with China, the production of important semiconductors has further declined.
You will need to be patient for some time until you can buy consoles or graphics cards at reasonably fair prices again.
And if you haven’t gotten a PS5 yet and desperately want a next-gen console, check out our PS5 ticker on MeinMMO. Here you will find all the important news about the possibilities when you want to buy a PS5.
