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[TheThreadsThatBindUs]

just seems weird at a time when Apple is selling 50 million iPhones and a few million more laptops with custom SOCs, the market for PlayStation 5 is complete chaos as demand outstrips supply at what, 2-4 million consoles? I know Apple is a big swinging dick but I didn’t realize the disparity is Grand Canyon sized.

iPhones use absolutely tiny SoCs. So from a 350cmsq wafer the total number of yielded dies are orders of magnitude higher than a product like a console with a 300+mmsq die size. Apple also being the single largest customer for any semiconductor manufacturer, essentially has entire fabrication process lines dedicated to their business.

Laptops consist of many 100s of different SoC dies, fabricated across a variety of different process lines, each of which are much smaller product runs to something like a PS5; whose market demand is far faaaar more front-loaded than for any laptop... (people don't stake out overnight in front of retail stores to buy the newest HP Pavilion laptop).

Sony is gonna be gunning to ship well over 5 - 7 million consoles in the first 3 - 6 months and likely over 10m in the first year. Which for a new product launching on a new process node, will be unprecedented. And they still won't be able to meet the demand.

 

[Neff]

Supplier doesn't care, they are getting paid, whether the bot is buying or the person.

It pisses off customers. Pissed off customers are bad for business in any scenario. Good word of mouth is crucial at launch.

In the ideal scenario, Sony wants this console in as many hands as possible, singing its praises, and more importantly buying games for it. With scalpers, there's less chances for that to happen.

If an end user pays $1000 for a $500 that means the end user has $500 less to give to Sony for games where they actually make their profit.

Good point.

 

[IntentionalPun]

Everyone involved would rather an end consumer buy the console than a scalper.

They just don't care enough to spend money coding in bot protection systems for the .01% of their products that anyone would ever use a bot to buy. Maybe the PS5 launch will motivate sites like Walmart to do it.. but probably not.

 

[Unknown?]

I see that Gaf knows better how Covid situation is globally affecting factories than people directly involved in the business... Ran is spot on, this doesn't affect just the PS5, it happens with XB too, as well as Ampere and Big Navi cards, annd so on, everything, people blaming scalpels and bots forget that there's a real life out there besides the internet, and you can always just move you lazy ass to the store, grab a product from the shelf and buy it, except you can't, because there's not enough supply, simple as it it, if everyone could casually walk into a store and get back from it with a new console, GPU or whatever, the scalpels would never even bother.



Oh really? I thought the whole idea of scalping is to resell the consoles to end customers anyway?

Well 1) the more people have to pay the less they have for other things. Not everyone who buys from scalpers can afford to drop thousands. So someone paying $1000 for a PS5 has $500 less to go towards other things. Maybe instead of buying 3-4 games the end user can only now afford 1.

2) Scalpers who post a room full of PS5'S with 20-50 stacked up are 20-50 PS5'S that aren’t generating revenue. They will sell some but they aren't flying out of scalpers hands either and I'm sure Sony wants that instant revenue.

 

[ZywyPL]

Well 1) the more people have to pay the less they have for other things. Not everyone who buys from scalpers can afford to drop thousands. So someone paying $1000 for a PS5 has $500 less to go towards other things. Maybe instead of buying 3-4 games the end user can only now afford 1.

2) Scalpers who post a room full of PS5'S with 20-50 stacked up are 20-50 PS5'S that aren’t generating revenue. They will sell some but they aren't flying out of scalpers hands either and I'm sure Sony wants that instant revenue.

1) I don't think for people who drop 1k or more money is much of a concern. Salaries are paid on monthly basis anyway. Besides there aren't that many games to buy anyway.

2) Same as above basically, it's not like people buy games on a monthly/weakly basis, over the course of a year Sony's revenue will be exactly the same as it would've been if all those consoles went straight to the customers, they won't lose a single dollar if those consoles hit the households week or two later.

 

[DeepEnigma]

 

[BattleScar]

Beating scalpers is fairly easy. Calm your thirst, and wait for supply to stabilise.

 

[emmerrei]

People support multinationals to push this insane only-online selling, and then they're suprised it's a mess.
Just send those console to physicals places and stop. Should become illegal sell those stuff online.

 

[Enjay]

Not sure if it's all scalpers buying it because if there were something like only 10% of ps5s sold were actually used to sign online I'd imagine there'd be clickbait articles up about that.

 

[YeulEmeralda]

People support multinationals to push this insane only-online selling, and then they're suprised it's a mess.
Just send those console to physicals places and stop. Should become illegal sell those stuff online.

No scalpers would still find a way. First gen? I remember car boots of Wiis.

 

[Kamina]

“Everything is sold. Absolutely everything is sold,” Ryan said. “I’ve spent much of the last year trying to be sure that we can generate enough demand for the product. And now in terms of my executive bandwidth, I’m spending a lot more time on trying to increase supply to meet that demand.”

 

[Rien]

If MS can produce units when Sony aren't, this will be an advantage for them

I rather wait a year for a PS5 then buying an Series X tomorrow.

 

[Aguero9320]

Tonight, on when Fanboys Turn Bad...

 

[Rhazer Fusion]

keep blaming scalpers. some of y'all are just too slow. simple.

the demand for ps5 is insane. sony should've launched at higher price big time

Too slow? I don’t think it’s that. It’s just most stores unfortunately get a very small amount of units for the demand. When you have stores getting in 2 to 20 units on average and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people, bots or whatever are online hitting refresh rapidly on their computers all day for those handful of consoles, it’s going to really complicate things. It’s like winning the lottery honestly.

 

[Valued Gamer]

The second shipment for PS5 slated for before Xmas in Australia never even happened.

 

[Forsete]

TSMC laughs in money.

 

[reptilex]

Don't blame scalpers, they're just taking advantage of stupid consumers, you should rip every cent of underserved money from stupid degenerates.

Nobody around me is getting a PS5, nobody is impressed or even want to, at most some are "waiting a year over" to see if it's actually any worth. AND we all used to have Playstations, from 1 to 4 for most.

I say scalp and overprice them to make money over stupid tasteless pigs the way they do for CoDs or FIFAs.

 

[CertifiedKiwi]

Might as well just wait for the PS5 Pro

 

[Caio]

Don't blame scalpers, they're just taking advantage of stupid consumers, you should rip every cent of underserved money from stupid degenerates.

Nobody around me is getting a PS5, nobody is impressed or even want to, at most some are "waiting a year over" to see if it's actually any worth. AND we all used to have Playstations, from 1 to 4 for most.

I say scalp and overprice them to make money over stupid tasteless pigs the way they do for CoDs or FIFAs.

Demon's Souls and Spiderman alone are enough to be excited about a PS5, so if you don't care about or the so called people around you don't care too, it's your problem or personal taste, don't make it like a general rule

I want a PS5 bad and I cannot fooking find it. Of course I'm not gonna give $800 to have one, for the simple reason scalpers disgust me.
There are also great PS4 Games that I would like to play again on PS5, and there are some which I didn't even play on PS4. I would have loved PS5 for Christmas, sadly I have to wait.

 

[Krisprolls]

Nobody around me is getting a PS5, nobody is impressed or even want to, at most some are "waiting a year over" to see if it's actually any worth. AND we all used to have Playstations, from 1 to 4 for most.

That's just you and your friends though. My friend and I already got 1 each, and PS5 broke every console launch sale record so we're definitely not alone. We didn't want to wait, and we did the right thing because the console rocks, haptics rock and some games like Demon's Souls are really impressive.

 

[Dr.Morris79]

I rather wait a year for a PS5 then buying an Series X tomorrow.

Your loss. It's actually been a bloody sturdy monster so far. Zero complaints apart from a few hicups on the first few days.

 

[Unknown?]

Don't blame scalpers, they're just taking advantage of stupid consumers, you should rip every cent of underserved money from stupid degenerates.

Nobody around me is getting a PS5, nobody is impressed or even want to, at most some are "waiting a year over" to see if it's actually any worth. AND we all used to have Playstations, from 1 to 4 for most.

I say scalp and overprice them to make money over stupid tasteless pigs the way they do for CoDs or FIFAs.

Even if your friend story is true, we know scalpers aren't a big part of the problem because when Meijer dropped their second shipment after launch(which was pick up in store only), they had over 200k on their site trying to get one and THAT'S a smaller chain that isn't nationwide. Which also shows the demand is there despite your friend circle.

 

[welshrat]

Don't blame scalpers, they're just taking advantage of stupid consumers, you should rip every cent of underserved money from stupid degenerates.

Nobody around me is getting a PS5, nobody is impressed or even want to, at most some are "waiting a year over" to see if it's actually any worth. AND we all used to have Playstations, from 1 to 4 for most.

I say scalp and overprice them to make money over stupid tasteless pigs the way they do for CoDs or FIFAs.

What a load of nonsense. It is the best console Sony have produced. Even if you only play PS4 games. Every thing runs better even psvr.

 

[Rien]

Your loss. It's actually been a bloody sturdy monster so far. Zero complaints apart from a few hicups on the first few days.

Thats good to hear!! Nothing against the console, will buy it when it gets a refresh mid-gen. But I am always been more of a PlayStation gamer.

 

[Fredrik]

At this point I’m not even sure it has launched yet in my country, I don’t know a single person who have one, haven’t seen one in the stores or even for a fraction of a second available to buy online. Weirdest console launch ever.

 

[alabtrosMyster]

It pisses off customers. Pissed off customers are bad for business in any scenario. Good word of mouth is crucial at launch.

There is a difference between a customer pissed off because he wants your console, but can't find one in retail right now, and a customer pissed off because your console sucks.

The situation will even out in the next few months.

 

[alabtrosMyster]

Your loss. It's actually been a bloody sturdy monster so far. Zero complaints apart from a few hicups on the first few days.

I don't think that's the problem with Microsoft's console of you're a PlayStation gamer you have expectations set in therms of quality for your games... MS is not there, maybe some day but this is not a given, and Nintendo serves a different purpose.

So an Xbox is about as useful as a refrigerator for an Eskimo.

 

[MMaRsu]

Yep! Retailers need to develop a fairer system, maybe a lottery type of scenario which would probably be better than so many people buying them being scalper bots

Retailers dont give a shit

 

[Dr.Morris79]

Thats good to hear!! Nothing against the console, will buy it when it gets a refresh mid-gen. But I am always been more of a PlayStation gamer.

Always been a fan of everything really. I think this is the only console launch I havent been able to get both

It's a sad time indeed!

 

[Rien]

Always been a fan of everything really. I think this is the only console launch I havent been able to get both

It's a sad time indeed!

Yup. I bought both consoles each launch + mid gen refresh as well. Now I have none..

It is what it is...

 

[Dr.Morris79]

I don't think that's the problem with Microsoft's console of you're a PlayStation gamer you have expectations set in therms of quality for your games... MS is not there, maybe some day but this is not a given, and Nintendo serves a different purpose.

So an Xbox is about as useful as a refrigerator for an Eskimo.

Indeed, but this generation is an utterly barren one of games on both sides really. The one main reason I want a PS5 is just for Demons souls

Everything else I want to try is just old ps4 stuff. I really want to give my Days gone a go.

 

[rofif]

The second shipment for PS5 slated for before Xmas in Australia never even happened.

It never happened in Europe too. They moved to 2nd half of January

 

[Perfo]

MS and Sony should have really just delayed next-gen launches to next year.

 

[Dr.Morris79]

It never happened in Europe too. They moved to 2nd half of January

I bet that doesnt happen either.

 

[Neff]

There is a difference between a customer pissed off because he wants your console, but can't find one in retail right now, and a customer pissed off because your console sucks.

True, but if you can't meet supply it inevitably creates opportunities for the competition.

 

[Grinchy]

MS and Sony should have really just delayed next-gen launches to next year.

? Why?

Just because you couldn't get one? lol

Millions of people got units. Millions of people bought games for those units. Millions more will continue buying them with games all the way up to next holiday season. And they should have left all those sales behind and told publishers to wait another year on those projects that are ready just because some people would have to wait until after the Christmas rush? How does that make any sense?

 

[UltimaKilo]

True, but if you can't meet supply it inevitably creates opportunities for the competition.

By March, most who can afford a PS5 will have one. No new competitors are entering the space in that timeframe, and if they did, the consumer has already decided what they want.

So yes, if two years down the road they couldn’t fill demand, then maybe it would be an issue.

 

[Neo Blaster]

Supplier doesn't care, they are getting paid, whether the bot is buying or the person.


Also where can I get one of those purchase bots?

Yep, those blaming the scalpers situation on Sony forget that, excepting Playstation Direct, those consoles were already sold to outlets, they have no control over how they are sold to customers. Considering outlets are giving a damn about the problem, couldn't a simple captcha before finishing the order help or bots are already that smart?

 

[rofif]

I bet that doesnt happen either.

I think it does. the polish retailer (sony partner here) confirmed to me, that my delivery will come by the end of january

 

[Neff]

the consumer has already decided what they want.

This is not necessarily the case, and no business can afford to assume customers will stick with their desire to purchase in lieu of available stock. Anecdotally speaking, I know of several people who unsuccessfully attempted to buy PS5s and considered going with Series X instead.

 

[Perfo]

? Why?

Just because you couldn't get one? lol

? Because, not meeting demand = missed sales...

They just stated it, production issues tied to the covid situation. It reads: we wanted to sell more than this but we can't.

As gamer, consumer, I'll also add that both consoles are rushed out, lacking features and games.

Would've been better for everyone waiting a bit more I guess given all of this.

But well it is what it is...

 

[Paasei]

Don't blame the scalpera, blame the idiots that buy it from them for more than the actual price. You are the ones giving them reason to continue. Just learn to control yourself.

I just bought one from a scalper! So long, suckers!

 

[TalentedMrJ]

Fuck Sony. The lack of consoles will only increase demand and they are fully aware of that. Worst console launch in gaming history.

I'd like to place a flaming bag of shit on his doorstep, ring the doorbell, and watch from the bushes as he smashes his foot into a bag of human excrement.

He is an incompetent turd

 

[Macromolecola]

So, is the scalper situation under control now?

 

[alabtrosMyster]

Indeed, but this generation is an utterly barren one of games on both sides really. The one main reason I want a PS5 is just for Demons souls

Everything else I want to try is just old ps4 stuff. I really want to give my Days gone a go.

Give it a year or two to settle, Sony was pretty slow to start the PS4 gen (there was lots of "PS4 had no games")... That took two years.

 

[Dr.Morris79]

Give it a year or two to settle, Sony was pretty slow to start the PS4 gen (there was lots of "PS4 had no games")... That took two years.

Aye, I remember it well. This gen does have the massive advantage mind you with both consoles being backward compatible, theres always 'something' to play.

 

[BlitzerRadic]

? Because, not meeting demand = missed sales...

They just stated it, production issues tied to the covid situation. It reads: we wanted to sell more than this but we can't.

As gamer, consumer, I'll also add that both consoles are rushed out, lacking features and games.

Would've been better for everyone waiting a bit more I guess given all of this.

But well it is what it is...

So your solution to not being able maximize sales is to not sell anything at all?

 

[Perfo]

So your solution to not being able maximize sales is to not sell anything at all?

What's the difference with delaying a game release? I guess I should answer yes...? I've read many articles suggesting a delay was an option on the table for long, then I guess MS or Sony pushed through first and the other had to follow to not launch later than its competitor.

I'm not forcing the truth here btw, just wondering.

 

[Aion002]

Jimbo is so anti-charismatic that even if he announced free games it would still appears to be something bad....

 

[RoboFu]

This guy sounds like a duck lol. “ I spent all year increasing demand!” Like he really had anything to do with it.