President Biden is to investigate the ongoing semiconductor shortage affecting next-gen console manufacturing (via GameSpot).
The component shortage is contributing to supply issues with the PS5, Xbox Series S/X and various other devices. The semiconductors in question are used to create the processors at the heart of many modern devices. The decision follows calls from companies like Sony, Apple, AMD and Qualcomm for presidential action.
The collective of concerned companies contacted President Biden via a letter, citing the following:
“Semiconductors play a critical role in enabling the products and services that fuel our economy, contribute to American innovation, and enhance our national security. Given the central role of semiconductors, strengthening the US position in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing is a national priority.”
How Will Biden Help?
The semiconductor drought has affected console manufacturing in a big way, with frequent stock shortages at retailers. Reseller groups are making the problem worse. These groups have been using bots to automatically buy any consoles that appear online. Resellers have cashed in on the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X since their launch. Reports claim that groups have made over $58 million in profits in the USA alone.
The ongoing pandemic has also contributed to console shortages. Sony’s CFO, Hiroki Totoki, stating the following:
“When we try to increase our capacity, we face difficulties because of this global situation. However, we are doing our best to exceed the original plan in terms of shipment.”
Brexit has also allegedly caused a delay in PS5 and Xbox restocks in the UK. This is due to trade channels being closed between the UK and the European Union. As the practicalities of Brexit are figured out, these delays will likely be resolved. However, the conundrum could mean that consoles are stuck in transit.
Are you still struggling to get a hold of a PS5 or Xbox Series S/X? Hopefully, an increased supply of semiconductors will mean more next-gen consoles on the market as the year progresses.
Featured Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons / Sony / Microsoft