PS4 prices are skyrocketing in Canada as shortage becomes apparent

Supply of PlayStation 4 consoles becomes noticeably scarce in Canada and it’s causing the pricing to skyrocket.

The presence of COVID-19, especially during its height last year, has shaken the world to its core. While this is more ostensive in how it affected the way society works, it also has its effects in the less subtle aspect of business. Particularly, in the facet of electronics where essential parts become significantly harder to acquire among enterprises. Thus, making certain end-products equally, if not greatly, harder to procure as well as a result.

Although a wider spectrum of the business is negatively influenced, nowhere is it truer still with video game consoles. Which, historically, has always been regarded as a hot commodity among avid technology consumers and gaming enthusiasts. Consequently, the large disparity between supply and demand has caused a shortage for next-gen consoles. Meaning, the PlayStation 5 and its direct competitor, the Xbox Series X|S.

Retail Problem

That issue has been an ongoing case for several months now and only seems to improve slightly over time. But where demand remains constant but supplies are relatively fewer, products that were previously easily affordable become significantly more valuable. And in the hands of resellers, it meant a higher cost to purchase. More so is this true when official outlets have been declaring total lack of supplies to sell, as was claimed in ResetEra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw8HCFZkBds?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://micky.com.au

While the trend involving scalpers taking advantage of the situation has been mostly felt in the USA, the issue seems more widespread. In Canada, it appears that the issue of pricing affects not just the next-gen platforms, but also last-gen as well. Particularly, in how people seemingly put a price on their pre-existing PlayStation 4 consoles, despite its dated status. Just a little bit of search at Amazon Canada and you could see how the console suddenly costs hundreds of dollars. Some even going the extra mile to charge $1000.

PlayStation 4, Too

But that problem seems to extend with the PS4, too. When getting either a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S becomes a “winning the lottery” feat, many are turning what they foresee as a more accessible product. Logically, to a commodity like the PlayStation 4 as it never had any previous reported case of insufficient supply. However, this may have proven to be otherwise, considering the semi-conductor shortage that emanates from the very few purveyors in the world.

There’s no telling when things will get better for the average gaming consumer. But it seems like it is not a good time to invest in entertainment on this front at this time, without paying more for it.

Image used courtesy of PlayStation/YouTube Screenshot