The PS5 and Xbox Series X could be delayed due to the Coronavirus, an analyst has speculated. The global epidemic could affect Sony and Microsoft’s consoles as a result of employees in China being quarantined, with over 37,500 infections being confirmed worldwide.
The Coronavirus’ impact on China has also affected its manufacturing sector. This has caused major problems for companies such as iPhone manufacturers Foxconn, which has quarantined its workers in a move that could delay the release of Apple’s new smartphone.
Sony and Microsoft could also be impacted by delays or shortages, with investment company Jefferies Group explaining how the Coronavirus outbreak may have ramifications on the gaming industry.
“The video game sector is currently manufacturing, or beginning to, a once-in-several-years’ product generation change for the 2020 holiday season,” Jefferies Group said (via Business Insider). “New consoles may suffer supply issues from a prolonged disruption, ahead of their Fall 2020 planned launches.”
At the least, quarantining workers could lead to stock shortages for both consoles, which could mean that buyers are left scrambling to purchase a PS5 or Xbox Series X at launch. Neither Sony nor Microsoft have commented on the Coronavirus’ impact on their operations, but with both consoles scheduled to release later this year, we’ll find out delays the next-gen consoles sooner rather than later.
