There may not be enough consoles this Christmas to meet demand, major retailer warns
A senior games buyer at a major unnamed retailer has warned that console stock could run out during the Christmas shopping season, with Grand Theft Auto 6’s upcoming release likely to trigger significant demand.
The retailer disclosed to The Game Business that ongoing hardware component shortages and rising manufacturing costs have already constrained console availability. While stock remains available during the current quieter period, the combination of these supply issues and the anticipated surge in demand from GTA 6’s launch is expected to result in console stock selling out.
The buyer stated that the retailer has been unable to secure the usual quantity of units ahead of GTA 6, directly attributing this to ongoing hardware component availability issues. The warning suggests that consumers seeking to purchase next-generation consoles ahead of the holiday season may encounter difficulty finding inventory.
The announcement highlights the persistent challenges facing the gaming hardware supply chain. Component availability constraints have contributed to shorter console supplies than retailers typically experience. GTA 6 is expected to be among the year’s most highly anticipated game releases, and its arrival coinciding with holiday shopping season could significantly amplify demand for PS5 and Xbox consoles.
For consumers planning to purchase consoles during the holiday season, the retailer’s warning suggests they may encounter limited availability, particularly after GTA 6’s release.