Sony has seen significant demand for its PlayStation 5 according to Jim Ryan, the President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Retailers have opened pre-orders for the next-gen console and people have rushed to place an order for the device which is set to launch on November 12.
Speaking to Reuters, Jim Ryan said that demand for the new console during the pre-order period had “been very, very considerable.” In the United States, PS5 consoles sold as well in the first 12 hours as the PlayStation 4 did in the first 12 weeks. One of the reasons for the huge increase in demand could be the fact that people are being forced to stay home more as countries grapple with the coronavirus and are looking for something to fill their time.
The CEO admitted that not everybody who wants a PS5 will be able to get one on launch day but that the firm is working hard to ensure that people can acquire one around the end of the year.
While the pandemic might be boosting interest in the PS5, job losses around the world may make it difficult for people to justify the PlayStation 5’s $500 price tag or the $400 for the digital edition. As the economic dust settles during 2021 people’s cash flows could have an impact on console sales in the medium-term.
Source: Reuters