While the PlayStation 5 is still far from easy to actually get a hold of, anyone who does own the console will admit that it takes up a lot of room. In exchange for access to some top-notch exclusives, like the upcoming Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and the recently released Returnal, owners have to make do with a rather chunky console, regardless of whether it's standing up straight or on its side. And it doesn't look as if that's going to change, even with new claims that Sony's planning a new model for it.
According to Taiwanese outlet DigiTimes, as reported on by VG247, industry sources have stated that Sony is looking to redesign the PlayStation 5. More specifically, the console's internal hardware and not its physical appearance. It's apparently aiming to release it in 2022 and it will come with a new semi-customized 6nm CPU from AMD.
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Considering one of the contributing factors to the PS5 shortages is because of a similar global shortage of computer chips, the hardware redesign could help address the issue and make it easier for people to buy a PS5. Said chip would be cheaper to manufacture, although it's not exactly clear what other benefits such a chip would provide.
Furthermore, there's no guarantee that the information is accurate. Analyst Dr. Serkan Toto has stated on Twitter that DigiTimes has a spotty track record, so the report should not considered completely factual. It is likely that Sony will make a revised PS5 model that's more powerful in some form in the future. After all, it did that with both the PlayStation 3 (the PS3 Slim) and the PlayStation 4 (the PS4 Pro). It's more a matter of "when" and not "if" it comes to a revision.
The lack of chips isn't the only reason why it's so difficult to get a PS5. The coronavirus pandemic obviously affected production of the console and, at launch, many units were hoarded by scalpers, who would then sell the console themselves for a profit. It's a problem that has persisted for months even after Christmas.
As such, PS5 shortages are unfortunately expected to persist until next year as well. It's not just the PS5, though. The Xbox Series X/S has suffered the exact same problems, meaning many people must continue to rely on their PlayStation 4s and Xbox Ones. Both of these consoles have received new releases and will continue to do so for a while, though.
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