PS5 Shortages

Gamers across the world have been quite frustrated trying to acquire the new PS5. And with the chaos that occurred in Akihabara, Japan, gamers feel that even seeing one in store will be an impossible fate for months to come.

While many gamers are overjoyed a new console has been released, many are unable to buy it due to shortages and scalpers raising the prices to double what the original price was.

An avid gamer by the name of Roody Jean Louis talked about the struggle of trying to buy a PS5 and the surprising scene that occurred in Akihabara, an area in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo, Japan. The mob that appeared at Yodobashi Camera in Japan upon the release of the PS5 was not a surprise to Mr. Jean Louis. The PS5 launch was met with an amazing amount of hype and most consumers could not buy a PS5 unit for themselves as demand was so high.

Mr. Jean Louis noted that he would be willing to go to a store and get a PS5, but in a situation as wild as that one, he would prefer to stay at home. During these times it would be too dangerous to risk being in a mob of that size to possibly end up with nothing.

Sony Interactive was having a difficult time getting their workers into factories due to Covid-19 restrictions, so the supply was already restricted. One of the issues is the scalpers that plague the market by up-selling the PS5. Mr. Jean Louis said, “It’s Sony's product so they should be held responsible for figuring out a way to prevent scalpers.” He believes very strongly that something needs to be done because it is ridiculous that people are still unable to purchase a PS5.

PS5’s launch has been problematic and people around the world would like to know what Sony Interactive’s response to this problem is.

It may seem bleak for many people who are hoping to purchase the PS5, however, it seems that countries are passing rules and restrictions to the purchases and selling of the PS5. Countries such as the UK and Japan are both in the process of dealing with scalpers in their countries. Japan has already put in place a ban on reselling PS5’s and due to the recent event may place more restrictions on obtaining a PS5.

By Nicholas Lesse

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