The current generation of consoles seems to have launched at one of the most inopportune times. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S were released in a world that has been reeling with the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many countries went into lockdown to slow the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable from infection. This left a lot of people with more free time than they have had in the past, and systems like the PS5 quickly became a hot commodity.
There are a few reasons as to why the systems are so hard to get besides their popularity. While some reasons are more understandable than others, in the end, waiting is probably the best choice. It can be tempting to go to scalpers and pay extra for a PS5, but part of the system’s scarcity is thanks to these very people. Coupled with the stress that has been put on manufacturers of all kinds by the global pandemic, and there just is not enough stock to go around. This goes for everything that has grown in popularity, from Pokemon cards to even workout equipment, and it can increase those feelings of missing out.
PS5 Games on PS4
The good news for many gamers is that, despite the scarcity of the PS5 consoles in the market, many of the games being released for the system are cross-generational. Major future titles like God of War and Horizon Forbidden West have been confirmed for both the PS5, and PS4. This makes some major exclusives easy grabs for those that already have PS4 systems.
Even major new reveals like Battlefield 2042 are going to be on the previous generation of systems as well as the newer consoles. While not all these games will have all the same features available, they are largely the same regardless of how they are being played. While the FOMO might not be cured per se, there is at least a bit of a salve to help until more PS5 systems are available.
Buying From Scalpers
Another reason is still going to be more of a personal preference for some, but feeding into the scalping market exacerbates a problem that is yet to have a solution. The supply and demand for systems might already be strained, but it is not helped by people that are buying up dozens of systems to resell them. While some places have tried to curb these kinds of actions, with Target stores going as far as to not sell trading cards at physical locations for a time, there is still no real way to combat them.
Many scalpers know this, and seem to see it as even more of an incentive to ramp up their efforts. By being able to choke the demand on products, they can make more money than the system is worth.
Buying A New PS5
In the end, waiting is still going to be a largely personal decision. While some heavy hitters continue to be available on both PS4 and PS5, some new games like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart are incredibly enticing. It can be hard to argue against wanting to experience the art, gameplay, and story of some of the new games that will not be available on older systems.
Waiting it out can also be rewarding as well though, even if it is just financially. Going to a scalper can cost a heck of a lot more money when compared to the average retail price. Though if getting a PS5 from a store is an option available, there is nothing wrong with playing some awesome new games.