Sony says PS5 Japanese launch stock has sold out

Platform holder Sony has said that launch stock of its upcoming PlayStation 5 has sold out in its native Japan.

In a post on the PlayStation Blog – as translated by VGC – the firm said that thanks to strong pre-orders for the eagerly-anticipated console, there would be no hardware for folks to buy on release.

“Due to the high interest and many orders from users, the launch is sold out by the reserved amount,” the company said.

“While there are still concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, we do not plan to hold events or sell PS5 at stores on the day of PS5 release in order to ensure the safety of customers, retailers, and staff."

Earlier in the year, Sony reportedly doubled its production goals for PlayStation 5, hoping to make 10 million consoles before the year. The firm even reckons that it will sell 120 million PS5s within the next five years. That sounds like a pretty lofty goal, but the PlayStation 4 has shifted more than 113.6m units between its launch in November 2013 and the end of September 2020.

Japan isn't the only region that looks like it could be facing shortages of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. UK retailer GAME has said that it cannot guarantee that those who haven't pre-ordered the new consoles will be able to get their hands on them on Day One.

PlayStation 5 is set to release on either November 12 and 19, depending on where in the world you are. You can check out everything that you need to know about Sony's latest machine right here.