Currently, a global shortage of semiconductors is slowing down the manufacturing of electronic devices, and this chip shortage has now reached crisis proportions.

"There is a perfect storm of supply and demand going on here. But basically, there's a new level of demand that can't keep up, and everyone is in crisis, and it's getting worse," argues tech analyst Neil Cuppling (via The Guardian).

The crux of the problem is that the labor shortage extends far beyond the gaming world. It is affecting the manufacture of a vast array of products, including televisions, cell phones, and even automobiles. The supply lines are heavily strained as many sectors compete for the limited supply of chips.

Already Samsung has effectively canceled this year's Galaxy Note 21 due to the chip shortage, which really illustrates the magnitude of the problem. Companies around the world are being forced to readjust their launch schedules and sales expectations in light of this worsening situation.

Sony said last month that it may not meet its sales targets set for 2021. Similarly, Microsoft's Phil Spencer previously suggested that inventory problems with the Xbox Series X would continue into the second half of the year.

Don't expect the chip shortage to be resolved anytime soon; according to Campling, "While prices are rising throughout the chain, there are no signs that supply is catching up or demand is decreasing."

Campling also makes the grim prediction that this cost increase will soon be passed on to consumers, with high-tech products like the iPhone 13 likely to receive a price hike to account for the financial burden of acquiring the semiconductor.

Certainly, we don't expect Sony or Microsoft to retroactively raise the cost of the PS5 or Xbox Series X, but if you were expecting sales and discounts on next-generation consoles this year, you should be prepared for disappointment.

Supply lines are obviously limited and will likely remain so for some time, but we are doing everything we can to make the PS5 as affordable as possible. We have a variety of tips for each retailer, as well as a dedicated hub for purchasing the PS5, and we are following the latest information as it becomes available.