Analyst firm thinks the PS5 and Xbox Series X will be delayed until 2021

[midian182]

Why it matters: Disruption from the coronavirus outbreak has had a huge impact on the economy, affecting virtually every industry, including the video game sector. It’s led to several products being delayed, and now another analyst believes the Xbox Series X and PS5 could be pushed back until next year.

Both machines from Microsoft and Sony are scheduled to arrive sometime this holiday season, but analyst DFC Intelligence (via Forbes) says the impact of the coronavirus will likely mean the consoles missing their launch dates. Even if they are released this year, getting hold of one could prove difficult, and you might be paying more than you thought.

“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,” DFC wrote.

A PS5 dev kit that probably looks nothing like the final product

“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.”

One bit of good news for Microsoft and Sony is that when their consoles are released, they're likely to face huge demand, which “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.”

This isn’t the first time an analyst has predicted a delay for the next-gen machines. Last month, investment bank Jefferies Group warned that disruption to the supply chains caused by the coronavirus could see the consoles pushed to next year, or at least suffer from restricted stock.

We’ve already seen the coronavirus delay production and shipments of Nintendo’s Switch. It’s also caused the TurboGrafx-16 Mini to be delayed until further notice. And while postponing the PS5 and next Xbox would have seemed unthinkable a few months ago, few could have predicted how bad the COVID-19 situation would become.

For the latest on the coronavirus spread and all the news on the outbreak, check out the new Bing tracker map from Microsoft.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/84404-another-analyst-thinks-ps5-xbox-series-x-delayed.html

 

[QuantumPhysics]

The long lasting consequences of Coronavirus are gonna be remarkable.

DOW is being erased.

Fed cut rates to 0%

Here in NYC, schools are keeping kids home for the next month.

Parents in many cases can’t work.

Xbox and PS will probably be delayed till Christmas 2021.

 

[hahahanoobs]

I've heard conflicting views on this news. And that Forbes source link is vague at best. No specifics at all. HOW has the ability to manufacture and release a high-end new game system already been severely impacted? I have too many questions after reading it.

Also, XBSX specs are on XBOX website and a video of the console is on Digital Foundry's YT channel.

 

[redgarl]

Might be possible, but improbable IMO. The new consoles are a big contract and might be prioritized. I really doubt Sony and Microsoft are going to postpone if they know that video games are an important economical driver in the actual crisis.

 

[redgarl]

The long lasting consequences of Coronavirus are gonna be remarkable.

DOW is being erased.

Fed cut rates to 0%

Here in NYC, schools are keeping kids home for the next month.

Parents in many cases can’t work.

Xbox and PS will probably be delayed till Christmas 2021.

You know this is temporary? Never forget that this is... temporary...

 

[Hardware Geek]

This may be the push I needed to go buy the one x while I wait.

 

[Capaill]

You know this is temporary? Never forget that this is... temporary...

Temporary and repeatable. With unknown long-term damages.
Just accept that everything that requires workers in an office or factory (or people in a cinema) is going to be delayed. And expect the delay to be longer than weeks.

Which is a shame. Having so many people at home is the perfect time to launch a new games console

 

[Vulcanproject]

It's more about supply chain than it is the final assembly factories. There is a fairly complex supply chain for cutting edge consoles. It's fine building everything else in the machine but hold up of one critical part and that's it, assembly shut down.

We have seen delayed manufacturing before, when coltan shortages affected Playstation 2 production. Militias fighting brutally over control of the resources in the Congo. Bluray diode production issues for PS3 delaying it for nearly a year.

This is something else but perhaps every bit a show stopper for component parts. With many companies fighting over limited resources and constrained production it will also force cost rises. So the highest margin goods will win demand, beating out electronics built to a tight budget and possibly sold at a loss. New consoles have no profit margin.

I already expect them to be delayed until at least Easter 2021. 12 months from now. 3-4 month delay.

 

[Uncle Al]

You know this is temporary? Never forget that this is... temporary...

I would only remind you that the Spanish Flu was temporary ... for two years. Considering this one is thriving in Iraq & Iran we can now deduce that heat has little to no effect on it and it's development in Canada and Alaska would suggest that cold does not either.

 

[drjekelmrhyde]

This may be the push I needed to go buy the one x while I wait.

$300 at B&H with a game

 

[Bamda]

You know this is temporary? Never forget that this is... temporary...

Unless you get the virus and die. Then it's permanent! LOL

 

[Rayneofpayne]

So them just announcing availability for Black Friday 2020 means these analysts are wrong right???? Why do media outlets keep posting their BS