Despite initial plans for a quick transition, Sony is reportedly making more of its previous-generation PlayStation 4 console to make up for the PlayStation 5’s shortage. The flagship console has been in short supply ever since it was launched due to the global chip shortage, which forced Sony to reduce PS5 production.
Sources in the know told Bloomberg that Sony previously had the intention of ending PS4 production by the end of 2021. However, current circumstances led to the company’s new strategy of adding an additional one million units of the PS4 to ease the pressure from overwhelming market demands for the PS5.
This is apparently possible because the older console uses less advanced chips and is simpler to make. The budget-friendly option is also much cheaper to make, giving Sony room to negotiate further with manufacturing partners but of course, this strategy may change depending on demand.
A Sony spokesperson confirmed to Bloomberg that PS4 production will continue throughout the year and added that the company had no plans to stop making the console. Up till the end of September 2021, the company has sold more than 116 million PS4 which puts it as the second most successful PlayStation console after PlayStation 2.
(Source: Bloomberg.)
