Sony and Microsoft are expected to usher in the next generation of console gaming by the end of this year. But analysts are now warning that the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X could be delayed by the Coronavirus. The virus, which has so far killed 636 people and infected 31,161 across mainland China, could potentially impact could impact hardware and software release dates.
China's manufacturing sector, which is responsible for producing a huge majority of console hardware, has already been hit hard by the spread of the virus. Just yesterday, Nintendo announced that there would be delays in the production of the Animal Crossing-themed Switch, as well as several other Nintendo accessories. It was also confirmed that the Nintendo Switch port of The Outer Worlds would be delayed due to the outbreak.
With the outbreak already impacting the games industry in a noticeable way, analysts are now speculating that the next-gen consoles and games could be affected in a similar fashion. Financial services company Jefferies Group (via Business Insider) has issued a warning to investors that the start of the next generation may face delays.
Advert
"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. "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."
Jefferies Group added that as much as "30-50% of art creation in western games is done in China", while nearly 100% of the manufacturing takes place in China.
Not getting a new console on time would obviously be the most insignificant consequence of an outbreak that has already claimed hundreds of lives. It's also important to remember that these delays are mere speculation at this point, and far from guaranteed.
We'll have to wait for official word from Sony and Microsoft, but keep in mind that there's now a chance we could now be facing stock shortages - if not outright delays across the board.
Advert
The PS5 homepage went live recently, offering fans the chance to sign up for incoming news on pre-orders, games, and pricing on the next-gen hardware. It's been speculated that this means official news is on the horizon, but we'll again have to wait and see whether or not the Coronavirus has impacted these plans.
Featured Image Credit: Microsoft/SonyTopics: PS5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation