The undersupply of power chips needed for PS5 and Xbox Series X is unlikely to end any time soon, according to Toshiba.
The semiconductor deficit that slows down the production of PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch may last all the way until 2023, according to Toshiba's director in charge of semiconductors at one of the company’s units Takeshi Kamebuchi. Kamebuchi told Bloomberg that "the supply of chips will remain very tight until at least September next year". "In some cases, we may find some customers not being fully served until 2023."
Kamebuchi attributed the material shortages and high demand outpacing the company's production capabilities as reasons for the lack of chips. And what's more, the safety certifications required for power-regulating chips make render the idea to switch between manufacturer sources futile, so the only way forward for Toshiba is to expand its production of power semiconductors.
"We consider which customer faces the most severe situation, such as the risk of the whole production line halting or the business getting obliterated without the supply of chips," Kamebuchi said. "Game console makers are among the customers making the strongest demands and I’m sincerely sorry for their frustration as none of them have a 100% satisfaction."
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