A new expert report predicts what effects the coronavirus could have on the production and delivery of the new console generation PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. This time, it is not just about the postponement of the date.
What is predicted? An analysis by DFC Intelligence believes that the planned release of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is likely to be postponed due to the coronavirus:
The economy is currently in a state of uncertainty like never before. Even if the situation clears up in a few weeks, the opportunity to release a new high-end gaming system has already been heavily impacted.
via Forbes
An holiday season release in late 2020 for PS5 and the new Xbox would therefore be highly unlikely. Previously, other sources had already speculated about the postponement of PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Where does the analysis come from? The analysis company DFC Intelligence has been dealing with video games and consumer electronics since 1994. They are partners of various data services, which provide them with the foundations to make such analyses.
PS5 and Xbox Series X perhaps still in 2020 – But …
What other consequences could there be? DFC Intelligence does not paint a bleak picture for the 2020 release. The analysts caution that both consoles could still actually be released in 2020.
However, they would then only appear in smaller quantities and significantly more expensive than originally planned. According to a leak, the Xbox Series X was supposed to be very affordable.
When will I get a console? The analysis further predicts that after the release, the demand for consoles will be immense, regardless of when they are released.
The demand will be “greater than ever before”. The demand for new consoles will far exceed supply.
This means that both PS5 and Xbox Series X will be sold out at launch and likely also a few times later. The challenge for Sony and Microsoft will be to meet the expectations of the players.
What further impacts does the coronavirus have? The outbreak of the coronavirus has a larger influence on the gaming industry, but not only negative.
Since many people are increasingly required to stay at home and in quarantine, the consumption of video games has skyrocketed:
- In Italy, where it has recently become increasingly critical, people are now playing much more Fortnite and CoD
- In China, interest in PUBG and LoL rose shortly after the outbreak
