A person is playing on a console at his home.
The global chip shortage has been going on all year.
What does that mean for Christmas? Will it be harder to get a gift that is more expensive?
It depends on how late you leave your Christmas shopping and what you want.
Semiconductors are found in a number of products, from cars to washing machines. Many of these chips are in short supply due to the Covid epidemic.
The chip shortage is bound to have an impact on Christmas, according to an analyst.
He said that some things that have been readily available in the past may not be available now. It is possible to hit the button on Amazon Prime in 24 hours. You have to wait two or three weeks.
Many electronic products contain a lot of chips.
Things made with chips don't just use one chip. The power control chips that are in short supply are the ones that are in new phones.
TSMC, Intel, and others in the industry aren't focused on making older, less advanced power management chips because they can make more by selling more innovative versions.
There are availability problems with some of the popular Christmas gifts, according to Glenn O'Donnell, VP and research director at Forrester.
Sony's PS5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series S are both unavailable.
O'Donnell said that if you can get them, you're paying a high premium.
He believes the supply issues will cause a lot of trouble this season. If you don't already have what you want, you may be out of luck. Santa will not be able to deliver.
Jack de Santis, CEO of repair service Rebel Technology Labs, told CNBC that he has looked everywhere for a Google Pixel 6 Pro, but no avail. He is unsure if he will stick with his old phone or get the regular one, which is still available in a few places. Both options are compromises that he is not happy with.
Consumers are competing with each other for in demand items this Christmas. Some people are using automated bots to get popular items as soon as possible.
The bots buy high-demand products to corner the market so they can sell these at inflated prices.
There are many examples of PS5s and Xbox Series S consoles being sold on eBay, Facebook, and other buy-and-sell platforms for more than the recommended retail price.
Shoppers should consider buying desired electronics that are in stock and available sooner rather than later.
He said to make the purchase if it is available. The supply lines are extended. It will take longer to replace the goods that are in current supply.
Consumers who are able to be flexible with their purchases may have more luck. The central processing unit is often changeable and the PCs come in lots of different configurations.
A different configuration is available if your desired configuration is not available. Consider alternatives.
