Sony Will ‘Produce Limited PS5 Units At Launch Due To Costing Issues’

Both Sony and Microsoft have promised to launch their next-gen consoles at the end of 2020 but, according to a report from Bloomberg, it’s far from smooth sailing for the PlayStation 5.

The publication reports that the PS5 could launch in limited numbers due to what’s expected to be a high price ticket. The console’s assembly partners have allegedly been told that Sony would be making 5 – 6 million PS5 units in the fiscal year ending March 2021, despite the fact the PS4 sold 7.5 million units in its first two quarters.

Credit: Sony

It’s not yet been confirmed how much a PS5 could set you back, but it’s rumoured to be sold at around the $499 – $549 USD price point. Bloomberg News reports that the price-setting decision has been a tough one for Sony due to the scarcity of some of the console’s components.

This is, of course, made more complicated by the global coronavirus pandemic. The unnamed sources who spoke to Bloomberg explained that the PS5’s production volume “could still change” depending on the COVID-19 situation.

Credit: Microsoft/Sony

It’s believed that Sony is struggling with its initial idea of holding a public press conference for the PS5 reveal due to health concerns and infection worries. Meanwhile, the recently-revealed DualSense PS5 controller was reportedly revealed in a hurry so as to stop the spread of potential leaks.

However, if Microsoft still plans to launch the new Xbox this year then so Sony will also have to launch the PS5. Some analysts purport that the two companies are in such close competition that they might be forced to launch, even at a loss.

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Damian Thong, an analyst at Macquarie Capital, said: “I think both the PS5 and Xbox Series X may end up at US$450 even though they would lose money at that price.”

To help conserve money around launch, it’s rumoured that Sony will offer discounts on the PS4 and PS4 Pro. Currently the former sells for around $300 USD, with the Pro model selling for around $400 USD.

The Last Of Us Part 2 Gameplay Reveal
Credit: Naughty Dog

Meanwhile, next-gen games are also a cause for concern. Many game developers and publishers have had to pause production and release, with the likes of The Last of Us Part 2 being “delayed indefinitely” over concerns of physical shipments during COVID-19.

Featured Image Credit: Sony