It looks as though the dawn of the next console generation could be pushed back to a later date as the COVID-19 outbreak runs rampant. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic plaguing the world in recent months, video game analyst website DFC Intelligence predicts that the Holiday 2020 launches of both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X could see a delay.
A recent statement by DFC (via Forbes) was released, highlighting the “major short-term impact” on the scheduled releases of both next-gen consoles as factories that mass-produce both consoles are still either on lockdown or have slowed down production considerably due to COVID-19. This will no doubt limit the amount of consoles available at launch, as well as their potential launch prices.
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.DFC Intelligence on the impact of COVID-19 on the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
The potential delayed launch of both consoles also means that upcoming launch titles could also be affected, with the likes of Godfall (PlayStation 5) and Halo Infinite (Xbox Series X) among them. However, a silver lining here could be that the delay could only strengthen the demand for the new consoles, and therefore improve sales as a result when they do launch. The question now is how quickly both Sony and Microsoft can recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, when it eventually comes to pass.
