Sony reportedly limiting PS5 launch window to 6m units But sources suggests COVID-19 has not affected production of next-generation console

James Batchelor UK Editor Thursday 16th April 2020 Share this article Share

Companies in this article Sony Interactive Entertainment

Sony is reportedly planning for a more cautious start to the next console generation by limiting the number of PlayStation 5 units it ships in the first year.

Sources told Bloomberg the platform holder and its assembly partners will manufacture just five to six million units of the PS5 by March 2021, the end of the fiscal year.

With PS5 targeting a holiday 2020 release, that would be the end of the console's second quarter. By comparison, PS4 sold 7.5 million units in its first two quarters.

Sony declined to comment.

Sources claimed that, while Sony's marketing plans for PS5 have been affected, the COVID-19 pandemic has had no impact on its manufacturing process.

Instead, the reason for the limited run is partly because Sony expects the PS5's high-end specs to lead to a high price at launch, which will affect demand.

Bloomberg claims that the console is expected to sell for between $499 and $549, with the rising cost and scarcity of components forcing Sony to raise the price in order to break even. Earlier this year, it was reported the PS5 could cost around $450 per unit to make.

There have been concerns that disruption caused by COVID-19 could lead to PS5 or its rival Xbox Series X being delayed into 2021. However, Sony recently released a statement that this is currently not the case.

Earlier this month, the platform holder unveiled the new DualSense controller -- our only hint as to the design of the console so far.