author: Frozen
Analysts: Launch of PS5 and Xbox Series X May be Delayed
DFC Intelligence believes that due to the coronavirus pandemic, next-gen consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X) may make their market debut later than expected.
- DFC Intelligence believes that at least one of the next-gen consoles will not be released until 2021;
- The delay would be caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
DFC Intelligence has sent out updated hardware sales forecasts for the current year. The forecasts predict that due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft and Sony may be forced to postpone the launch of PlayStation 5 and the new Xbox. According to the analysts, at least one of the next gen platforms is unlikely to make its debut in 2020.
The arrival of the platforms "on time" would mean limited availability as well as higher prices. The manufacturing and release of a new gaming platform in the coming months, in the current economic situation, seems unlikely - even if we assume that the coronavirus crisis will pass in the next few weeks.
The delay, of course, would affect the release dates of next-gen exclusives as well, planned for release later this year (e.g. Halo Infinite). However, DFC Intelligence believes that the decision to postpone the debut of PS5 and the new Xbox is the correct choice and will lead to increased sales of both hardware platforms in the long run.
The exact launch dates for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are not yet known. Both consoles were reported to be released later this year.