Major PS5 system update fixes PS4 upgrade – plus latest console stock at Smyths, Argos, Amazon, Currys, GAME and BT

HOW DID MICROSOFT DO IN COMPARISON?

Sony’s rival Microsoft, which launched the Xbox Series X and Series S around the same time as the PS5 in November, has not shared exact figures for its next-generation consoles but said in its latest quarter filing that hardware revenue had jumped 86%.

SONY’S SUBSCRIBER COUNT AND ACTIVE USERS SPIKE

PlayStation Plus saw its subscriber count reach 47.4 million, and there were 114 million monthly active users on the PlayStation Network in the quarter. 

SONY RELEASE FIX FOR DISC UPGRADE ISSUE

Sony has released a PlayStation 5 system update that sorts out a PlayStation 4 disc upgrade issue.

The PS4 version of a game was sometimes installed from the consoles game disc, even after the disc version was upgraded to the PS5 version.

The new update, all 868.3 MB of it, released by Sony fixes this issue.

SONY ENGAGEMENT HIGHER THAN EVER

Sony has also released some other promising facts, which seem to be the result of the pandemic’s demand for at-home entertainment.

Total PlayStation user gameplay time in December was 30% higher year-on-year.

87% of PS5 users are subscribers to PlayStation Plus!

SONY EXPECTS BILLIONS MORE IN PROFIT BY MARCH

Sony now expects 940 billion yen (£6.56 billion) in operating profit in the 12 months through March compared with the 700 billion yen it previously forecast.

SONY TO SELL 7.6 MILLION PS5 CONSOLES BY MARCH

Sony expects to sell more than 7.6 million PS5 consoles by end-March, its Chief Financial Officer Hiroki Totoki said at a press briefing today.

The whopping figure comes after an increase in the demand for gaming consoles during the pandemic – when most of the world is confined to their homes.

SONY’S YEAR PROFIT UP BY 1/3 – BUT THE COMPANY’S STRUGGLING WITH SHORTAGES

Japan’s Sony Corp increased its full-year profit outlook by one-third, thanks to an international lockdown-fuelled demand for games. However, the company said it was struggling to build enough PlayStation 5 consoles amid a global shortage of semiconductors.

Sony said today some customers may have to wait longer for their consoles as it competes for chips with smartphone makers, car companies and other businesses for the technology.

The Chief Financial Officer Hiroki Totoki said today at a press briefing:”It is difficult for us to increase production of the PS5 amid the shortage of semiconductors and other components.”

POKEMON DEVELOPER TWEETS ABOUT PS5 MADNESS IN JAPAN

Dave Gibson,  a Lead UI/UX designer at Creatures Inc. (which is involved in developing various Pokemon titles), tweeted about the Tokyo crowds for PS5 in Japan last weekend.

CLAIMS ARGOS, GAME AND VERY ARE NEXT TO DROP

One Twitter account tweeted @PS5StockAlertUK and claimed retailers Argos, GAME and Very could be dropping soon according to “insider” information.

Their tweet reads: “Here are the dates I’ve been told by insiders so far.

“Retailers I haven’t listed doesn’t mean they won’t drop, just means I haven’t been told any dates yet.

Argos – 04/02

GAME UK – 09/02

Very – 09/02″

AMERICAN UPDATES:

There are no more PS5 consoles available at Target.

Although, a Meijer PS5 restock has been confirmed by the retailer for the near future.

PS5 STOCK COULD BE DROPPING IN FEB

If this Twitter account is to be trusted, mid-Feb is the next time we should all be getting the wallets out.

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It’s set a few years after Resi 7, in a mysterious Eastern European village.

“Ethan’s world suddenly comes crashing down once again,” said Capcom.

“When Chris Redfield, an unexpected yet familiar face, makes an appearance.

“Setting off a chain of events that sees a distraught Ethan seeking answers to Chris’ shocking actions.

“And ultimately finding him in a mysterious village.”

There’s a briefcase-style inventory system, plus items and weapons that are available to purchase,

And Capcom has also included a six-player online multiplayer game.

Excitingly, anyone who owns a PS5 will be able to access a demo version of the game from today.

EVIL AWAITS

Resident Evil Village is officially up for grabs from May 7, 2021 – if you’re brave enough.

The next-gen survival horror game is the tenth entry to the series, and looks as frightening as ever.

Sony unveiled the Capcom game last June, and it’s been desperately awaited by keen gamers ever since.

Importantly, Resident Evil Village will be available on next-gen consoles, with better-than-ever graphics.

The game is playable on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC.

Like Resident Evil 7, the new game is a first-person survival horror.

NO STOCK LEFT OF PS5? HOW ABOUT AN XBOX SERIES S?

XBox Series S consoles are now available at Currys.

Click here to bag a console!

PLAYSTATION WRAP UP LAUNCHES

Playstation Wrap Up 2020 has launched today, meaning Sony gamers can see their most played game of the year.

As with previous years, it gives gamers stats on which games they’ve spent the most time playing, and details on which trophies they’ve earned.

GAME OVER

Shortages of the PS5 and Xbox Series X could continue well into the summer, insiders have warned.

It’s grim news for any gamers that still haven’t managed to bag a next-gen console.

Since their launch in November, the new PS5 and Xbox have been largely sold out.

Neither Sony nor Microsoft has been able to keep up with rampant demand.

Now chip-maker AMD – who supplies both firms – has warned that the shortages may continue.

THE REAL DEAL

Sony’s new PlayStation 5 controller has been discounted over at eBay.

You can slash 15% off the usual price using an offer code.

Better still, it’s not used: this is a brand new PS5 DualSense controller sealed in the box.

The deal takes the price down from £59.99 to £50.99.

It’s not an enormous saving, but it’s a rare discount on a very new gadget.

For the voucher code click here.

MOST POPULAR PLAYSTATION NOW GAMES REVEALED

Sony has released its top three most popular PlayStation Now games of 2020.

Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man has grabbed the top spot, with Days Gone coming in at second, PSU reports.

Guerilla’s Horizon Zero Dawn has grabbed third place.

STOCK IMMINENT FOR ARGOS & GAME, TRACKER CLAIMS

One of the most popular PS5 stock tracker accounts on Twitter claims that a drop is imminent at Game, Argos and Very.

PS PLUS GAMES AVAILABLE NOW

PS5 gamers can look forward to a host of exciting new games from PS Plus this month to help stave off lockdown boredom.

According to Pushsquare, Destruction Allstars went live on the service last night.

It was followed by PS5 exclusive Control: Ultimate Edition, which will also be available on the store from today.

REVEALED: THE NOSTALGIA DRIVING DEMAND FOR THE PS2 AND THE OTHER RETRO CONSOLES THAT BRITS WANT BACK

Following the announcement of the PlayStation 2-themed PS5, Britain’s favourite retro games consoles have been revealed.

The enthusiasm from Sony fans following the announcement of this ‘retro-inspired’ model was no surprise considering the PlayStation 2’s continuing popularity.

Money.co.uk’s Retro Tech report found that a staggering 53% of Brits aged under 35 owned the PlayStation 2.

Furthermore, 22% of Brits aged under 35 said they still feel nostalgic towards the PlayStation 2 console. 

According to the study of 2,000 British adults, the PlayStation 2 isn’t the only retro device that Brits would like to see inspiring future games consoles.

US – STOCK AVAILABLE AT TARGET

Availability will depend on location.

Click here for your chance to bag the console.

CONTINUED

Neither Sony nor Microsoft has been able to keep up with rampant demand.

Now Microsoft investor chief Mike Spencer said supply of the next-gen Xbox Series X will be limited until June or July.

According to the New York Times, Spencer revealed that Microsoft sold every single Xbox unit it had last quarter.

Fortunately, everyone seems to agree that stock will pick up in the summer.

Sadly, scalpers will likely remain an issue

It’s possible that console shortages could end even sooner if demand dries up before summer.

SERIES-LY?

Gamers will struggle to get their hands on an Xbox Series X until at least June.

Microsoft has admitted its next-gen console is facing significant shortages for the first half of the year.

It comes after key PS5 and Xbox chip-maker AMD warned shortages could continue until July.

It’s grim news for any gamers that still haven’t managed to bag a next-gen console.

GOVERNMENT PETITION TO MAKE SCALPING AN OFFENCE GAINS OVER 12,000 SIGNATURES

A petition lobbying Government to crackdown on scalping has reached over 12,000 signatures.

The “Prevent/deter the buying and reselling of goods/services at inflated prices” has reached 12,080 signatures by Monday evening. It needed 10,000 to require a response from Government.

If it hits more than 100,000 backers before the deadline date of June 10, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.

It reads: “This practice is most prevalent in the buying and re-selling of event tickets but also has a significant impact on the sales of trainers/clothes and technology.

“The most recent case in point is the launch of the PlayStation 5 and X Box Series X consoles. Both pre-orders and launch day stock were sold out instantaneously and then thousands of listings appeared on eBay at over double the RRP. A reseller group claimed to have been able to secure 3500 of these.”