Analyst firm DFC Intelligence just sent out an email newsblast that updates their 2020 gaming hardware forecast to reflect the world's current economic disruption. The firm expects COVID-19 to force Microsoft and Sony to delay their next-gen systems in 2021 as critical supply and manufacturing chains are disrupted. These predictions reflect the delay prediction I made in February.
"The conclusion is that 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," the firm wrote in the email.
"Currently the economy is 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."
The firm notes the crisis should be more short-term and will actually help spike consumer demand, leading to more sales in the long run. But overall store availability should be lower, and a delay will impact any next-gen exclusive titles released on the platform. Luckily Microsoft won't actually release next-gen exclusive Xbox Series X games, and Sony is likely to keep PlayStation 5 exclusives at a minimum.
"Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will release to record consumer demand. The challenge Sony and Microsoft face are making sure they release systems that meet expectations. Given the current situation, waiting to make sure they get the initial product right is the most prudent choice."
Neither Sony nor Microsoft have officially confirmed a delay, and both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are still pegged for a Holiday 2020 launch.
The console will release in Holiday 2020, and it may cost $499.
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