Ordered a PS5 or Xbox Series X this Christmas? Unfortunately, you are likely to be disappointed. As we could see it coming, the shortage of components did not miraculously resolve as the Christmas holidays approached, making it difficult to buy any device. This is also true for smartphones, tablets and PCs, with a special mention for graphics cards.
The situation has been looming for months. In November, the builders were considerate: it will be very difficult to stick to your Christmas list to the letter. Indeed, around a year and a half after the start of the component shortage, components are still struggling to keep production afloat. With varying degrees of success. Consequence: it is very likely that this Christmas 2022 will cause many disappointments.
It is especially at the level of consoles that the shoe pinches. Although since their release, Microsoft and Sony have each sold tens of millions of copies, the PS5 and Xbox Series X are still, most of the time, not found at resellers. These are also the devices you will have to be most patient with before you can get your hands on them. AMD ensures that the shortage of components will last until 2023.
On the same subject: Renault – the shortage of semiconductors will not improve before mid-2022
Shortage of PS5 and Xbox Series X, what about smartphones?
Although several resellers have offered stock a few days before Christmas, it is certain that not all will have their order fulfilled. Whatever, you could tell yourself, this is the opportunity to fall back on a smartphone. Nevertheless, again, it is the obstacle course. Apple is particularly affected by the shortage and has already declared that the iPhone 13 out of stock will last until February 2022. Note however a glimmer of hope appeared at the end of November, when we observed a shortening of delivery times for the smartphone.
It is therefore possible that the latter is under your tree this year, although you will have more luck by relying on Samsung. Indeed, the Korean giant has also shown signs of weaknesses in recent months, especially with the release of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 for which it has been unable to meet demand. Moreover, the Galaxy S21 does not seem to have suffered too much from the situation, except that users who hoped to enjoy their Galaxy S21 FE by the fireside will have to wait a little longer. Finally, last positive sign: Qualcomm recently contradicted Intel and AMD by claiming that the shortage of components could end as early as next year.
The situation promises to be complicated for PCs, catastrophic for graphics cards
Gamers are undoubtedly the ones who suffer the most from this shortage of components. In addition to having to wait months and months to buy a console, PC gamers are also disadvantaged by at the exorbitant price of graphics cards. Whether they come from AMD or Nvidia, it takes at least 700 € to get an entry-level model, as the situation is so dramatic.
Despite manufacturers’ efforts to slow the phenomenon, cryptocurrency miners continue to grab every stock, leaving the desperately empty shelves for the others. As for a possible exit from the tunnel, Nvidia currently expects 2022, without further details. There remains the laptops, undoubtedly less affected by the multiplicity of models. Note, however, that Razer has announced a price hike for next year. Better to take advantage of the window without waiting.
