Biden Semiconductor Review Amid PS5 and Xbox Series X Shortage (February 2021)

It was reported that President Biden has started work to solve the problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the production of next-generation consoles, smartphones, cars and other products and to end the shortage of semiconductor materials, and has moved to launch an investigation into the matter.

"Semiconductor Chip" Hiccup in PS5 and Xbox Series X Production

According to GameSpot's report, after a number of technology giants, led by Apple, Sony and AMD, told the president that production was weakening because of the semiconductor shortage, the White House did not stay indifferent to the issue and, to find a solution to this problem, a 100-day review of semiconductor products was launched.

This way, it was agreed that the federal government could find an alternative solution and that the economic problem it has caused for the American economy could be solved.

The White House said in a statement: "Semiconductors and chips play a critical role in providing the products and services that feed and contribute to the innovation of the American economy. Based on the U.S.'s position in the research, design and production launched on semiconductor materials, it should become a national priority."

Why Cannot the PS5 and Xbox Series X Be Produced Enough?

The semiconductor shortage is cited as the main reason for the growing difficulty of getting a next-generation console. For this reason, Sony and Microsoft are struggling to meet demand because of the semiconductor chip shortage.

Sony CFO Hiroki Totoki said in a recent interview: "It is difficult for us to increase PS5 production because of the insufficiency of semiconductors and other components," and added: "We have not been able to fully meet the high level of demand from our customers, but we continue to do everything we can to help and ship to our customers waiting for the PS5."

It is not known how much longer these shortages will last, but both Sony and Microsoft believe that upcoming next-generation consoles will also be in relatively limited supply later on.

At a press conference on the executive order, Biden said: "This kind of work we are doing is about helping the United States overcome every challenge we faced during the pandemic, as well as the challenges we face in defense cybersecurity, climate change and many other issues."

It was pointed out that these problems are not limited to semiconductors alone. Among the news received is that President Biden will follow the same path and open investigations in a number of sectors, including defense, public health, biological preparedness, information and communications technology, transportation, and energy and food production.