The PS5 and Xbox Series X could be delayed due to Coronavirus/COVID-19

In yet more delays expected due to the coronavirus, the PS5 and Xbox Series X could miss their scheduled Holiday 2020 release window. This is from a report from DFC Intelligence, a games industry research firm established in 1994.

Coronavirus is likely to have a major short-term impact on the delivery of both systems. There is a strong likelihood one or both systems will not make a 2020 launch. If the systems do launch, supply will likely be constrained and initial pricing could be higher than expected.

Currently, the economy is in an unprecedented state of uncertainty. Even if the situation clears up in a few weeks, the ability to manufacture and release a high-end new game system has already been severely impacted.

AMD supplies the custom SoC for both the Playstation 4 and Xbox Series X, and has said that the nex-gen production remains on track. While the virus may be subsiding in China, do keep in mind the likelihood of a delay as the pandemic ramps up in Europe and North America.

Nevertheless, the report agrees that consumer demand should be ‘stronger than ever’ once launched.

The good news is that consumer demand is likely to be stronger than ever. Demand will far exceed supply and long-term that could increase overall sales. In addition, the abundance of government and public caution should help assure this is a comparatively short-term crisis.

Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will release to record consumer demand. The challenge Sony and Microsoft face is making sure they release systems that meet expectations. Given the current situation, waiting to make sure they get the initial product right is the most prudent choice.

At the very least, let’s practice good hygiene and social isolation to avoid the worst of the coronavirus.

via wccftech

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