The PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft, respectively, may face some serious logistical issues at launch, a new report claims. Rumors that next-gen consoles could be delayed have circulated for some time, leading to concern among gamers that the PS5 and Xbox Series X could face launch issues.
A report on COVID-19's impact on China's game market, published by Asia games market research and consulting firm Niko Partners, explored the issues that next-gen consoles may experience when they launch at the end of the year, assuming they aren't delayed. So far, Microsoft and Sony have remained optimistic with the consoles, with each stating that the systems will make their holiday 2020 launch windows, though prior reports have claimed that the PS5 will have a low supply at launch.
However, the report mentions several factors that could lead to a troubled or delayed launch of the consoles, citing "component scarcity, logistics issues, and software delays," all of which "now pose a bigger threat to a limited launch or even a delayed launch." The report states that possible software delays may lead to less consumer interest in the consoles, though that would depend on how many games are delayed in 2020.
Console manufacturers will also be battling with the possibility of a recession, an increasingly likely threat due to the economic hardship brought on by the coronavirus, which has led to business closures and layoffs globally. Unemployment has skyrocketed in some nations, including the United States, which has seen its unemployment rate climb to 14.7% in the wake of the coronavirus, according to the Associated Press.
Issues with manufacturing and component scarcity could also drive up the cost of the consoles, the report says. Neither Xbox nor Sony has confirmed the price of either console, though the Xbox Series X price will be "agile" according to Microsoft. Still, the Nintendo Switch has faced delays due to manufacturing and supply issues, which next-gen consoles could also face if manufacturing doesn't rebound in time.
Even with features like Smart Delivery on the Xbox Series X, allowing gamers to transfer some of their libraries at no cost, next-gen consoles may become a tough sell if there's nothing new to play on them— especially in the wake of potential economic devastation. Sony and Microsoft have painted an optimistic picture, which will hopefully come to pass, but the reality may be disappointing if the coronavirus situation doesn't improve.
The PS5 and Xbox Series X are slated to launch holiday 2020.
Sources: Niko Partners, Associated Press