PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X could be delayed by coronavirus outbreak; Nintendo Switch production also affected
A report from Jefferies Group, reported by Business Insider, has stated that Sony and Microsoft may eventually have to change the scheduled launch dates of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, respectively. Both consoles were expected for the holiday 2020 period, but the devastating coronavirus epidemic could cause delays or restrict stock numbers of the PS5 and XSX consoles. The Nintendo Switch has already been affected, with the Japanese game company already apologizing for any future delays in production.
Production of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X hardware will be based in China, which has been responsible for the majority of console manufacturing over the years. In fact, according to Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, it seems 96% of the consoles that ended up arriving in the US in 2018 had been made in China. With this revelation in mind, it seems likely that the coronavirus outbreak could cause issues with the manufacturing of the PS5 and XSX consoles.
The last thing either Microsoft or Sony wants is to have to inform their eager customers that the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 could be delayed until 2021. If the coronavirus does affect their production, it is possible that limited numbers of the next-gen consoles will be made available upon release, which regardless of the tragic cause behind it will still be received with considerable criticism. It now all depends on Sony and Microsoft to make official statements on whether production of the PS5 or XSX will be affected in a similar manner to the Nintendo Switch.
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