Reporters and Others Predict Coronavirus May Delay Next Gen Console Release Schedule
Coronavirus has quickly become one of the top stories around the globe as cases and deaths tick up and the virus continues to spread. But it isn’t just the death toll which keeps climbing. The economic impact does also. Could Coronavirus result in a late release schedule for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5?
Coronavirus Could Slow Manufacturing of PS5 and Xbox Series X
The financial services company Jeffries Group told investors, “The video game sector is currently manufacturing, or beginning to, a once-in-several-years’ product generation change for the 2020 holiday season. If [company] shutdowns exceed a month or so, game schedules will be delayed. New consoles may likewise suffer supply issues from a prolonged disruption, ahead of their Fall 2020 planned launches.”
Along with potential delays for the next gen PlayStation and Xbox consoles, Nintendo could struggle to keep up with demand.
Also, reporter Ryan Browne tweeted:
“96% of video game consoles imported into the U.S. in 2018 were produced in China. Whilst companies such as Nintendo have moved some manufacturing abroad, China still accounts for the majority.”
@ZhugeEX
Further, reporter Arjun Kharpal replied:
“#Coronavirus will lead to delays in shipment and production of the #NintendoSwitch. @ZhugeEX explains the importance of China for console manufacturing @serkantoto says demand could stay strong as Nintendo has been through shortages before https://cnb.cx/2ufE1OW.”
While it is almost hard to believe that the consoles could come out later than planned, it isn’t as if this is a manufacturing hiccup Microsoft or Sony could have foreseen or prevented. Some things are just outside of our control. Is it still possible the consoles will release during the holiday season? Yes—but gamers may want to ready themselves for a delay.
On the bright side, maybe due to Coronavirus we now have more time to save up for our new consoles. Keep up with our PlayStation news to find out whether Sony and Microsoft announce a delayed release window.