Sony excited gamers all over the world a little over a week ago by unveiling the controller for the upcoming PlayStation 5 console, which is slated to launch during the 2020 holiday season. However, recent reports suggest the manufacturer may release a limited amount of consoles for its immediate launch, meaning consumers might find it hard to purchase a PlayStation 5 when it becomes available.
Sony may release between 5 to 6 million PlayStation 5 consoles between its launch and March 2021, which ends the 2020 fiscal year, according to a report by Bloomberg. If accurate, the next-generation console could sell fewer units than the PlayStation 4, which released in November 2013 and sold 7.5 million consoles in the same timeframe.
Currently, analysts and insiders suggest that the biggest influence behind Sony’s truncated PlayStation 5 output could be its cost of development and build of materials. The console may cost as much as $450 per unit to produce and Sony may have to give the PS5 a higher price tag in order to make a profit.
Sony has revealed some hardware highlights for the PlayStation 5, which include an octa-core Zen 2 based CPU and an RDNA 2 GPU supporting up to 10.3 TFLOPS, and a custom SSD it claims will be faster than the staple gaming PCs currently on the market. Game developers with an inside track to the goings-on for PS5 development expect the console could sell for between $499 to $549. Meanwhile, some analysts suggest the Sony could break even if a $450 price tag.
While the brand insists the current COVID-19 pandemic has not affected its production plans, the global crisis has affected other aspects of the PlayStation 5 release. Sony may any not host an in-person press conference as part of its promotional strategy for the console’s release. Executives have also not been able to meet to discuss business plans, nor have engineers been able to travel to China to oversee final development plans before the PS5 can officially go into production. There may also be delays in the production of games slated for the PS5.
Many have noted that the PlayStation 5 controller being announced in a press release is already telling of how health concerns have altered its launch strategy. In contrast, Microsoft was able to reveal preliminary details about its own Xbox Series X at the Game Awards in December 2019. As a direct competitor to the PS5, Microsoft’s new console is also set to release for the 2020 holiday season.
The lack of pomp and circumstance didn’t stop fan interest in the PlayStation 5 controller. The accessory will include feature upgrades such as adaptive triggers on the L2 and R2 buttons, haptic feedback, a built-in microphone, and a rechargeable battery. The share button has also been changed to a “create” button, which will allow users to make custom content with the choice to share or to save privately. The controller’s touchpad also features a new light bar.
