Key insights:According to PriceSpy, consumer buying interest for gaming products, such as the PS5 and graphics cards has skyrocketed this year*;Even though consumer buying interest has increased, PriceSpy warns Kiwi shoppers could struggle to find stock availability due to global supply shortages;Whilst the launch of two popular gaming consoles in November last year may play a contributing factor to the shortage of
supply, so too is the fact that more people than ever are staying home globally – and these people want to keep
entertained;The recent rise in the price of the cryptocurrency, bitcoin is also driving up consumer buying interest globally for
graphics cards, which are required to mine bitcoin currency;On top of this, Covid-19 has continued to globally affect manufacturing, supply chains, distribution channels and
demand;All of these factors are impacting the overall price of goods. The new PS5 for example can only be purchased
second-hand, with prices reaching as much as $1650 on Trade Me. And, according to PriceSpy’s price index, the indexed price point for graphics cards has risen, up nine per cent year-on-year since the start of the year.
First it was bread makers, then it was sewing machines. Now, insights from the fully impartial price and product
comparison site, PriceSpy, indicate the latest buying trend to hit New Zealand is that of gaming consoles and graphics cards. An interesting trend considering the global shortage of both items.
Liisa Matinvesi-Bassett, New Zealand country manager for PriceSpy, says: “Our data shows Kiwis have never been more into gaming goods than now, with the PS5 a clear winner that many want in
their homes. In fact, the console is currently the most-popular product on our website, above some 139,337 other indexed
items.
“And, since the start of this year, we’ve seen significant growth across the shopping category of graphics cards, both in New Zealand and globally.In New Zealand, popularity for graphics cards doubled on PriceSpy, compared to the same time in 2020 (up 111 per cent)*PriceSpy global data also found popularity for graphics cards increased276 per cent, compared to the same time in
2020****.”
Despite buyer interest for gaming goods being on the up, Kiwis looking for ways to keep busy and entertained across the
latest change in Alert Levels, may be disappointed.
As a result of Covid-19 impacting manufacturing processes, supply chains, distribution channels and consumer buying
interest rising, PriceSpy warns, many shoppers may struggle to physically get hold of these in-demand items from retailers due to global supply
shortages.
Liisa continues: “Since the PS5 first launched, consumer buying interest for Sony’s latest flagship console quickly
skyrocketed. In fact, before it was even released in November 2020 last year, it was already the most-clicked on product
on PriceSpy, above thousands of other items.PriceSpy’s popularity insights: PS5
Source: PriceSpy
“But, with global supply chains affected by Covid-19, stock soon ran out - and popularity quickly dropped off. However,
since the start of February, even though stock levels have not yet returned, consumer buying interest has once again
peaked – with the PS5 ranking again as most-clicked on product on PriceSpy.”
The lack of product availability also appears to be driving up the price of the PS5 on the second-hand market, with
prices on Trade Me reaching as much as $1650, $831 over its RRP**.
And it’s not just the PS5 that’s increasing in popularity and price...
“Graphics cards may not be an item that appeals to everyone, but our data shows popularity has peaked, increasing 111
per cent year on year*, which is extremely high. We believe this additional demand is driven by a number of reasons,”
says Liisa.
There are several reasons why graphics cards are sold out:Supply issues
Firstly, there’s the production aspect. Many Chinese factories stopped manufacturing graphics cards during the onset of
the Covid-19 outbreak. The graphics card manufacturer, AMD, has probably also needed to use a significant part of its
production capacity to provide the new gaming consoles with graphics cards. All this means that manufacturers have not
been able to produce as many cards as required.
More time at home
Covid-19 has seen us all spend more time at home, which has resulted in an increase in popularity of all types of
entertainment, including gaming consoles - up by almost a third year-on-year***. Similarly, more may be looking to
upgrade their gaming equipment, as consumer buying interest on PriceSpy for CPUs grew 58 per cent* and graphics cards up 111 per cent*.The rise in price of Bitcoin
The price of Bitcoin has risen exponentially over the last three months, further increasing consumer buying interest for graphics cards which are used
for mining.Supply levels demand – driving up the price of goods
For the PS5, it is only available ‘second-hand’ via Trade Me and is being sold at a much higher price than its RRP.
With availability of graphics cards now scarce, the indexed price point for these items on PriceSpy has risen almost nine per cent since the start of this year.PriceSpy’s Price Index for Graphics Cards
Source: PriceSpy
Liisa concludes: “Without a doubt, Covid-19 continues to affect the retail sector. From manufacturing, supply chains, distribution,
consumer buying interest and price.
“It’s therefore more important than ever that consumers carry out important price research before they buy, to make sure
the price they are purchasing at is fair and reasonable and not over the odds.
“Shoppers can carry out price research quickly and easily using a free price comparison site, like PriceSpy. What’s more, they can also set up stock alert updates for items such as the PS5 and graphics cards, so that they are
automatically notified once products are available again.
“To find out more information and to start comparing prices, head to our website, or download the PriceSpy app.”
Download the PriceSpy app here.