The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles both launched last year, yet they are still incredibly difficult to find. A combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, scalpers, and chip shortages have made it difficult for consumers to get their hands on the next-generation consoles, and unfortunately, it seems as though those supply issues are going to continue for the foreseeable future.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger recently said in an earnings call that the chip shortages plaguing the tech industry will likely continue until 2023, and that it may take "another one or two years" before manufacturers can adequately meet demand. While Gelsinger expects the chip shortage situation to improve somewhat by the end of 2022, by his estimates, it could very well be 2023 before supply has caught up to demand. It should be noted that this situation also applies to RTX 30 graphics cards as well.

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For gamers who are still unable to get their hands on a PS5 or Xbox Series X console, this is obviously not the news that they wanted to hear. And while this is certainly unfortunate, it should theoretically get easier to get a PS5 or Xbox Series X as time goes on. And there are some measures that fans can take to boost their odds of getting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.

next-gen consoles

One thing that potential PS5 owners could do is sign up for the PlayStation Direct program. PlayStation Direct will give them the chance to sit in an online queue and potentially buy a PlayStation 5. While it's not a guaranteed way to get the next-generation console, it may be a better route than trying to buy them during frenzied Walmart restocks that often see the PS5 consoles sold out instantly or scooped up by bots.

Another strategy fans may want to consider is signing up for the GameStop PowerUp Rewards Pro program. GameStop's loyalty program has recently sweetened the pot by giving subscribers first-dibs on new consoles whenever fresh stock comes in. Like PlayStation Direct, it's not really a guarantee, but it should make it at least somewhat easier to get a next-generation console.

While it's definitely frustrating for consumers who haven't been able to get a PS5 or Xbox Series X console for themselves, the bright side is that most games are still cross-generation titles. And with the PS5 and Xbox Series X console supply shortages continuing for the foreseeable future, one has to think that most publishers will continue making an effort to release their games for legacy platforms as well as the new systems.

MORE: How to Sign Up for PlayStation Direct to Get a PS5

Source: Intel (via IGN)