KEY POINTS

  • PS5 was released on November 12, 2020
  • Until now, Sony could not meet the demand for the gaming console
  • Apparently, Sony has a couple of ways on how to solve the current PS5 stock shortage dilemma

Sony would reportedly start the production of the new redesigned PS5 in the second and third quarters of 2022, according to a new report.

Sony earlier hinted at the possibility of solving the current stock shortage of its newest gaming console by changing its design or finding a secondary source. A new report from the Taiwan-based business site Digitimes seemingly backs this claim. The site reveals various suppliers, including TSMC, plan to begin producing the redesigned PS5 gaming console sometime next year.

Moreover, the site claims that TSMC would start manufacturing a new "semi-customized" 6nm chip for the new PS5 system beginning in 2022. Apparently, this would replace the current 7nm ship found in the recently released gaming console. It appears that the redesign plan would involve internal and external changes that would bring more advantages.

Eager gamers pick-up their PlayStation 5 orders from stores in Sydney but due to Covid-19 all consoles were sold through pre-orders and most delivered directly to people's homes. As a result the usual queues and campouts associated with the last generatio
Eager gamers pick-up their PlayStation 5 orders from stores in Sydney but due to Covid-19 all consoles were sold through pre-orders and most delivered directly to people's homes. As a result the usual queues and campouts associated with the last generation of consoles were missing. AFPTV / Andrew LEESON

Unknown to some, Sony made several subtle changes to the PlayStation 4 soon after it was launched. The Japanese gaming console maker improved the PS4's efficiency and reduced its weight. The design and appearance remained the same and were only changed when Sony introduced the PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim.

Essentially, the idea of a redesign is not new to Sony. Some gamers think though that it is a little too early for the PS5 to undergo a redesign considering that it was released a few months ago. However, the challenges around the supply of semiconductors and the lack of stock could be triggering factors behind this move. During its recent earnings call, Sony CFO Hiroki Totoki mentioned that to overcome stock shortages, they could either find "a secondary resource" or change the design.

"For example, we could find maybe [a] second resource [for semiconductors], or by changing design, we could cope with [semiconductor shortages]," the executive said during the company's Q4 2021 earnings call. Fans should, however, temper their expectations regarding the production and release window of the rumored PS5 redesign,

At the time of publication, Sony has not mentioned anything related to the console's redesign production timeline. Like all other leaks, fans should take this latest claim with a pinch of salt.