PS5: No Delay as PlayStation 5 Output to be Limited in First Year - Price, Specs, Delay & More

We've heard reports of Sony planning to produce fewer units of the PlayStation 5 in its first year than it had for the launch of the PlayStation 4.

That said, we're just happy that the console is still on track for an end-of-year launch, despite COVID-19.

The Tokyo-based tech giant is limiting the size of its initial production line as the ambitious specs are putting a strain on the already-stretched workforce.

Could this lead to a higher price than we expected?

Continue below as we explain what all of this means for PlayStation gamers.

Sony's Production Capacity

A Sony spokesperson has explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Sony’s promotional plans for the new device, but not its production capacity.

Assembly partners were told that Sony would make 5 to 6 million units of the PS5 in the fiscal year ending March 2021.

However, back in November 2013, the PS4 sold 7.5 million units in its first two quarters.

READ MORE: PS5 'Create' button explained

What this means is that demand is going to outweigh the supply chain, which in other industries traditionally translates to a price surge.

Think about trying to grab an Uber on New Year's Eve and you'll understand.

Price Could Surge

The theory behind all of this is that a loftier price tag for the PS5 would deter initial take-up.

We were anticipating the price to be somewhere in the region of £400 to £500, but now we're expecting increased component costs and a stretched out workforce to bump the price up considerably.

READ MORE: Xbox series X slaps back after big PS5 reveal

This really is the news that we didn't want to hear, and it spells a big opportunity for Microsoft to steal some reluctant gamers with their marketing strategy for Xbox Series X.

We will be back with updates as the news drops.