Since its release in November of 2020, the PlayStation 5 remains a difficult console to find. Despite numerous restocks at major retailers, PS5 stock is always small in quantity and sells out quickly. This can be frustrating for the many people who want to buy Sony's latest console. So, why does PS5 stock only release a little at a time?
There are a few reasons why PS5 stock is probably releasing in short bursts, and why it's so hard to find a console over four months since it initially launched. The first is perhaps obvious: the COVID-19 global pandemic has caused delays in nearly every industry, and companies like Sony and Microsoft aren't immune to this. It's why PS5 and Xbox Series X stock issues are hurting sales and why finding one of the consoles is pretty difficult.
Another factor to consider is that while COVID-19 has caused interruptions in production, the PS5 is also selling incredibly well. In fact, in total dollar sales, the PS5 is the fastest-selling console in U.S. history. So, the popularity of the PS5 coupled with COVID-19 delays means that PS5 stock will most likely continue being in short supply for a while longer.
Why PS5 Restocks Only Happen In Small Amounts
All of this could be contributing factors for why PS5 stock only releases a little bit at a time. Sony probably doesn't want to run out of PlayStation 5 consoles completely, so releasing PS5s in smaller amounts over time is a way to ensure there's also a little stock left in reserves. While Sony is undoubtedly making PS5s as quickly as possible, the delays in the industry are a lot to deal with, especially for a company trying to manufacture a new console.
The alternative to this strategy would be releasing all PS5 stock at once, which would make for even greater delays as production continues but struggles due to COVID-19. So, by releasing PS5s in short bursts, it offers prospective buyers a chance to grab one while more consoles are being made. Unfortunately, it's highly probable that PS5 and Xbox Series X stock will be low for a while, so it's unlikely Sony's strategy of releasing PS5 stock a little at a time will change anytime soon.
In the meantime, major retailers continue getting PS5 restocks a bit at a time. While the low quantities of PS5s is frustrating for the people who want to buy one and can't, it's most likely a way to keep PlayStation 5 consoles from running out completely while more are being produced.
