As far as we know, the PlayStation 5 is still scheduled to release this coming holiday. Of course, we’re beginning to get the distinct impression that plans may change. Sony’s been relatively quiet about its next-gen plans since it showcased the system’s familiar logo at CES 2020 earlier in the year, but while it still may be abiding to an internal timeline, we’re beginning to wonder if the escalating coronavirus epidemic has pushed it into a position of silence.
Before we continue, we should point out that there are far bigger concerns than video games when it comes to the aforementioned disease. People are dying, or at least becoming gravely ill, and we’re not in any way suggesting that new consoles should take priority over the health of human beings. That said, this is a PlayStation website, so of course we’re going to focus on the impact to our passion, even if it’s irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.
This was supposed to be a pivotal year for Sony and the industry as a whole. While there’s still much we don’t know about the upcoming console, the company had been surprisingly forthcoming in 2019, detailing many of the features of its new format in exclusive Wired articles. It felt like everything was moving in the right direction: the manufacturer was saying the right things about its new hardware, and developers like Insomniac Games and Guerrilla Games seemed poised to exploit the new tech.
Unfortunately, we must face the very real possibility that the platform may not deploy this year at all. The issues are immediately obvious: with the Chinese manufacturers ordinarily tasked with constructing consumer electronics working at limited capacity or outright quarantined, the Japanese giant may not be able to order enough stock of its new system to effectively supply a worldwide launch. At best, that’ll mean supplies are scarce – and at worst, a worldwide delay.
But production is just the tip of the iceberg. Sony can choose to announce the system as part of a pre-recorded livestream – perhaps it already intended to do that prior to the coronavirus kicking off? – but it’s not going to be able to effectively demonstrate the device to the media and consumers when conventions such as the Game Developers Conference are being cancelled. The organisation had already pulled out of E3 2020 for corporate reasons, but it made a conscious decision to pull its bumper PAX East 2020 showing on the basis of employee safety.
With more people staying at home in order to avoid the disease, there’s an argument to be made that the market for video games may be larger than ever before. However, the coronavirus may also affect development, with offices being shutdown around the globe. And there’s also the matter of a potential global recession to consider, which will seriously impede sales of expensive new hardware, like the PS5 is likely to be.
Sony will know more about how its plans are likely to be affected, but the reality is that even it may have to wait and see. It’ll be very close to completing the hardware now, as new systems typically go into production around six or so months prior to release. Whether it will be able to get the parts and its launch games finished is uncertain, though, and perhaps we may all have to come to terms with the fact that next-gen may arrive later than we’d all anticipated.
How would you feel if the PS5 was delayed? Had you pinned your hopes on a 2020 release date, or would you be willing to wait until next year now? Think it over in the comments section below.
Comments 91
well it's still pretty early in the year so the issue of the coronavirus might have resolved itself by that point given it's rumoured to release in the winter holiday season BUT even if it was delayed a bit i don't think it would affect sales
and at the end of the day people health is more important than hitting a release date
A delay would be fine, more time to save up for it and more time to work on the ol' backlog... also means the teams working on games for the next gen have more time as well if their games were aimed for release.
While I agree that video games should never take precedence over human health, this global pandemic (panic?) should be a lesson to electronics companies: China has become a single-point-of-failure in the manufacturing process simply because of cheap labor.
I have said it before and I will say it again: if car manufacturers have assembly plants all over the place to help meet demand, perhaps it's time for electronics manufactures to follow suit.
This is an amazing year for Playstation Users.
We have potential generation defining experiences in Cyberpunk 2077 and TLOU2 to come this year, we have long awaited games like FF7 Remake, Doom Eternal, RE3 Remake and potential new IPs to experience in Starfield.
There are so many gems coming this year I can't list them all! Persona 5 R, Nioh 2, Watch Dogs Legion, Vampire MB 2, Dying Light 2, etc.
And with the amazing games coming out on other consoles like Ori 2, Halo Infinite, Animal Crossing NH, Half Life - Alyx etc.
This is a year to remember.
Keeping people safe always is top priority, and if there was ever an "ideal" year to delay a Next-Gen Console, this would definitely be it.
If Sony were to delay the console's release with concern of their employees and the employees of their manufacturers, than people just need to accept it.
Was thinking this myself. That’s why I believed Sony announced the release date for Ghosts so soon.
Saving lives and being careful before gaming sales and market capture are more important methinks. The delay of PS5 helps me enjoy my backlog and revisit some classics. This also means with extra time to develop games there's no excuse for releasing buggy rushed games hope every gamer and their friends, families and colleagues in every nation stay safe. Can't wait for next gen though!!
@LN78 I think you misspoke..I think you mean if people might die..but you need to get your head examined if you think companies havent delayed events in the past due to other issues and blame it on something else
@LN78 If you think about it, production of video game consoles will always result in deaths somehow (driving to work and crash your car, or damage to the planet over time) of course the risk is heightened during this epidemic but it's still a risk assessment I guess. I mean, for a stressed out worker on the edge, shutting up shop for a few months might be just what he needs! But at the same time, no income could lead a struggling worker to do something unfortunate.
I don't have problem if ps5 is delayed, people health is more important than console and I still have a lot of backlog of ps4 games.
Will this affect Xbox release too?
As soon as a vaccine is developed the world will just go back to normal. Sony will only delay if manufacturing processes are affected and they simply cannot be built.
Of course people's health must come first but let's face it most people are still going to work as if nothing has happened and will continue to do so.
@LN78 I hear you, just wondering where the line is 🤔
@East76landS possibly if the Series X is also manufactured in China
Peoples health is more important, personally games consoles are near the bottom of the list for global supply chains concerns!!
I thought AMD just said theres no delay?
My backlog is huge .more than 40 ps4 games i didn't even play yet.and i just bought 4 ps4 games.this virus is deadly and its affecting the entire 🌎 world.sony takes your times playa.health is first.i can wait.i got to many games to play anyways.movies to watch youtube etc.sports keep me busy also.chill out with my girlfriend.so so many stuff to do.word up son
If they need to delay to keep their workers safe, then so be it. I can absolutely respect placing their employees ahead of their own profits. Then again, it's gonna ring hollow if they don't address the whole Uighur forced labor thing, which they've not publically addressed at all after the allegations were leveled. Even if they didn't know initially, they sure do now.
@LN78 I agree, I guess the consequences of such a move are just harder to gauge since the variables are so many, the safer option is to confront what's right in front of you. Some people will suffer to a degree either way sadly.
My backlog and I are in no hurry
If MS still launches and Sony doesn't, it's going to look bad.
Honestly, next year probably won't be much better...
I think they should push ahead and do some kind of pre-order lottery.
I thought Sony had already shifted away from China due to Trade War?
We may have to accept that? lol. What other choice do we have? Not accept it and hold Sony reps at gunpoint? Anyway, I hope this isn’t the case but the news about the console is scarce and is mostly just speculation. Meanwhile MS pushes out new Series X news daily...
This article seemed unnecessarily dour with nothing to go on.
For starters, things have started reopening in China.
https://www.npr.org/2020/02/29/810334985/as-new-coronavirus-cases-slow-in-china-factories-start-reopening
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-coronavirus-china-factories-reopen-20200305-pr3dwe4kfnblzc2pk44edwoumy-story.html
Also, the PS5 may have already been delayed due to parts shortages which have nothing to do with COVID-19 as you covered 3 weeks ago.
https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/02/rumour_ps5_price_could_be_high_as_sony_struggles_with_expensive_parts
PS5 doesn't even have a launch date yet, 7 - 9 months away, so they may not have even started to build it yet anyway. And every year China closes for a week to celebrate the Lunar New Year, every manufacturer is aware of this, so the virus just extended that.
I'd say worse case scenario right now based on what we know is limited stock at launch, maybe a rolling launch, US, EU, Japan. I know they said they wouldn't do that again, but they say a lot of things.
Could it get worse? Sure, but we just don't know. Id' say wait for them to say something before we worry.
For now be thankful for TLOU2, FF7R and Ghosts and be grateful you aren't impatiently waiting for a Nintendo Direct b/c Switch has nothing after this month.
@JJ2
AMD is just one of many components required to manufacture the system, and then there’s the labor force to actually do the manufacturing. Supply chains across the globe and industries are all feeling the pinch. I wouldn’t be surprised if Force Majeure notifications start rolling out soon.
Doesn't concern me as im waiting on a rumoured pro version
@rjejr
A supply chain disruption of 2-3 months can take over a year to resolve itself. You can run three 8 hour shifts and weekend/holiday work, but that’s all. It’s a problem with a finite resolution.
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-06-konami-delays-pc-engine-core-grafx-mini-over-coronavirus
@lacerz Yes it can get worse, that's why I said "Could it get worse? Sure," but I still think right now Sony hasn't said anything so we should wait until we do before generating hysteria.
I mean really, is there anybody on the internet who doesn't know about China and COVID-19, did anybody really need to be warned PS5 could be delayed? I'd rather focus on the games, and PS4 has the games. Sure, lot's of delays the past month, but it looks like they are finally going to come out, so let's focus on that.
Edit - Sorry, forgot to click on the link.
I'd seen that delay on my twitter feed earlier today. The device was due out in 2 weeks, "It had been due out 19th March 2020." I'm not sure how comparable that $99 device w/ probably a couple of million order is to a $399 device due out in 7-9 months with a 20 million order. I'm guessing Sony takes precedence.
@LN78 thats actually not what you said originally..you said if people might NOT die Sony is morally obligated to delay the ps5..also not how crisis is spelled..maybe edit that too..and I meant what I said too..isnt the first time a company has used some current event to delay something that doesnt need to be delayed.
They make billions of dollars yearly...they should have backup plan.
No excuse..especially after the floods in Thailand nearly crippled the computing industry.
If the console is delayed it wouldnt be the end of the world. The line up this year is insane:
Dreams, LoU2, FF7 remake, dying Light 2, Doom Eternal, Persona 5 the Royal, Nioh 2, Yakuza 7 (and remaster collection), Resident Evil 3, Ghost of Tsushima, Cyberpunk 2077, Iron Man VR, Predator, Not to mention the huge backlog of games that most people will have, there isnt really a need for next gen just yet.
Sony need to announce something though to build some hype around the console, explain what is happening and own the message, rather than let online commentators and influencers start peddling the rumour mill
@carlos82 vaccine's are not developed on the type of time frame you are thinking. It'll likely be until later in the second half of the year that we see one, if we see one in 2020 at all.
And I would think that for Sony and Microsoft to hit their planned original release dates (which I would assume were before Christmas so probably a late October release or sometime in November), they need to start production here soon, not sometime this summer. Manufacturing activity in China is slowly moving back online, but factory workers have been some of the slowest to return given their migrant status (a lot of them commute from the countryside into the big cities), though that has also been skewed somewhat by the fact that a lot of "professionals" have been able to work from home (meaning they never truly counted as having "left" work).
I think it will be December 2020.
think Sony will still release it this year.
to be fair I would rather wait for word from them on how it will be than websites going mystic meg on us.
And that's where if MS still releases the Xbox Series X this fall they will win this gen. There already winning the communication battle. That was the reason I chose a 360 over a PS3 and didnt come back to Playstation till the PS4.
Regardless maybe sony just isnt ready to showcase anything yet I just feel they would show a glimpse of something but nothing at all. Either they will announce something truly amazing or they are struggling to make something that is why no news yet.
Late to the party here as I probably won't get it for a while, but that design is hilarious. "The fan vents are redesigned here into a curve in the middle.". "Won't that blow hot air into itself if one becomes slightly weaker and also create a hot zone in the center of the console?". "Errrr... No more questions.".
@Ken_Kaniff Worth noting they may face identical problems.
@get2sammyb We might consider that games could also be hit by delays. Entire teams of developers could be sent home, and even working from home, it's a situation that will affect the development of games.
I have that Turbo Grafx 16 Mini pre ordered and that got delayed. It won’t surprise me if it happens with PS5.
@lacerz
Yea I just mean if AMD is expecting good sales as expected then it's a hint (a good sign?) right?
@MJ I wouldn't expect one until the end of the year but China have already shown that Coronavirus can be contained, so hopefully the rest of us can follow suit or maybe it has some seasonal element which could help us out.
As for the consoles I'd imagine that production of these or at least many of their components would have already started so they'll have some kind of idea how much they'll be affected and didn't AMD's share value go up so they must be pretty confident.
If they're delayed then so be it, it's not the end of the world and I'm sure we've all got plenty of games to be playing and would much rather people be safe
@HungryWolf Yeah, I alluded to that in the article. A lot of developers outsource art assets to China as well, which is worth remembering.
@No_Cartridge
I think your right. Thank you for your common sense.
Not an issue if it's delayed. Personally, not a huge gamer, I play when I can, but Xbox isn't even on the radar for me.
@get2sammyb That's why I said "if". Theres been way more communication from MS at this point and they havent back out of E3 yet, so they seem to be on a more confident track than Sony rn. Theres real problems behind close doors at Sony. Theres a reason for this long stretch of silence. They do not want MS running the console conversation like they are rn.
AMD literally just confirmed yesterday the consoles are on track for 2020. Stop with this clickbait garbage
@thefirst I honestly don’t think it’ll make one ball of blue at this point. Sony has this in the bag, so many people this generation have invested in the PlayStation ecosystem with digital games and exclusives that they will want to continue. That and the fact the back log is huge for most. Worst case scenario they release a few HUGE games on plus to keep people happy.
We “May” have to accept a delay — May 2021 release leaked!!
As the article states at the start... There's more important things involved here than video games, simple as that. I've said for a while now I think PS5 will get delayed due to the cornoavirus, and in the grand scheme of things it's the right thing to do given how it's all played out so far. We'll see what happens.
While it could potentially be delayed, I don't see any point in worrying about the hypotheticals in this until it's confirmed one way or another.
@kyleforrester87 I think the line is somewhere between shutting down a factory to avoid further spreading an infectious virus and nobody working because they might die while driving to work, which is pretty uncontrollable and a miniscule risk.
While I'd certainly be disappointed I would full well understand given the circumstances. Whenever it launches I will be there day one regardless!
@Ken_Kaniff “ And that's where if MS still releases the Xbox Series X this fall they will win this gen.”
I would say, not a chance. MS is going to win the entire generation for launching maybe a few months earlier? They had an entire year head start with the 360 and the initial price of the PS3 was frowned upon. They still lost the generation overall.
I would have to disagree with your take. Sony will be fine regardless.
I understand the idea of delaying PS5 console launch. For the sake of people dying But also think about the fact that it's company. And that company has to make money. If they were to Delay PS5 until next year. Think of all the bad press They would get.
Even if the delay happens it will only be a matter of months. It would have to be at least six months behind the Xbox SX for me to consider getting that first. Whenever the PS5 comes out it will be day one for me.
I'm not gonna pretend i wouldn't be disappointed but if it happens it happens.
I must say, I really appreciated Sammy's foreword stating that he isn't "suggesting that new consoles should take priority over the health of human beings". That was a nice touch.
I'm fine with this. I just bought a house this year so finances will be tight for the next year or so
have you guys seen all the good games that is coming for the ps4??... i have no problem with the ps5 being delayed. i can wait until xmas 2022 if i need to.
Well this would suck, you'd think they'd be able to make a path for me through the bodies to make it to my local game store... Have to agree with ken, I'll probably buy the xbox if it's the only one available this year
Unless Microsoft delay theirs I can't see Sony doing so. Stock outages seem likely though.
I understand a delay from a perspective of parts coming from China. Everything else is simply panic from a media that NEEDS ratings. Coronavirus is severe in 20 percent of its cases. 80 percent end up fine with minor symptoms. Of those 20 percent, what’s the fatality rate? 1 or 2 percent? The fact remains the people at risk are small children, elderly and people with underlying health conditions
@LN78 weird I have a screenshot that says different..also no need to use a plural noun..maybe reason you are constantly misunderstood and in constant need of reassurance that you have an opinion people care about..well I care..you are super smart..just not with english or understanding of current day reality in the tech industry.
Cant the Chinese just outsource some slave labor from Tibet or something?
Scrap the whole bonkers idea and focus on streaming. I'd be more than happy buying exclusives from their platform, if they can sort out PS Now's rather sluggish responses, and even subbing for perks but when I've got the option to play games without buying a pricey console?... Well I'm sorry I just don't get the point tbh.
@Powerpellet you would think 🤔
I dont think Im selfish for saying that I hope they dont delay the system at all. Im really looking forward to this system and I dont want to wait a second longer no matter what, and 'SO WHAT!!. That doesnt mean I want any lives risked for my "hobby", but people are forgetting about how serious the situation can get for the people who cant feed their families either. Not only are the faactory workers having to deal with a horrible disease, but their families stomachs arent going to take a corona virus vacation. They depend on these jobs too. And the situation in China is already showing signs of a slow down. Lets hope things continue to improve.
@Mintie I completely agree. Good things come to those who wait.
@LN78
There is no link to post any pics in the comment section, but maybe it's hidden and you can help me with that too.
I'm not trying to prove anyone wrong..it's easy enough to look up all the companies that were fined from the price gouging that went on during the flooding in Thailand where many profited off that crisis.
I think you took issue with my sarcasm over your whining about the loss of human life...which I could care less about since I only care about my ps5 and the population needs to be thinned anyway since coronavirus is not working fast enough.
So many components from different sources must come together to build the console. This virus may or may not die down for spring/summer we don't know yet if it will. I have accepted that the PS5 will be delayed for at least as long as the virus last.
Corona Virus lol it's just bad flu, all the bizarre panic is very very strange fear mongering, many are using as an excuse for absolutely anything.
@playstation1995 word up! 40 games! that's a lot man.
@beavis64 I meant that Sony announced the reveal date so soon(that release date came out of no where) as they perhaps already knew that PS5 will be delayed.
In my experience it's best not to underestimate the chinese when it comes to manufacturing. When the private sector and government sector are wedded together as closely as they are there when it comes to mobilizations of their work force they are the best.
Information is already starting to trickle out of China that they are already starting to get things moving again and I would expect that they will ramp up their output pretty quickly and proceed to wipe out any deficiencies that the current crisis has caused to them.
@xRetrox. Yeah i know.haha.its good to have a lot of backlog of games.word up son
@TheBuzz haha.thats a fact.word up son
I am completely fine with this.
1. I don't care of delay. I have tons of games to survive next 5 years.
2. Yes it is itchy that Sony is quiet, but it would be much funnier (in a good way) if Sony would be quiet till november (or later if needed) and than say "Here is PS5. Specs are xxxxx, price is xxxxx and it is available next monday in your shop." 😁 THAT WOULD BURN THE POOLS for others. 😂
3. True fans will wait. It's ONLY about priorities. If you want hi-end console, you don't care label. If you are fan you will wait. (You won't buy BMW because next Honda will be later)
4. Globally this situation is an extra time for all companies to re-think if everything is as they wanted. It is up to them if it is good to rush or wait. Mother nature is something far above some meaningless console war.
think its guarenteed both consoles will be delayed. as doubt they will have enough units made as they want. The only people benifit if it still released and theres shortages are the cants skalpers
I’m sure Nintendo would love another holiday season without the newer shinier consoles on market.
At this point we know so little about the new consoles that if they get delayed what is there to even be upset about. I'm sure I'll get a PS5 day one but right now there's so many awesome games available that I can wait. Once they announce Demon's Souls Remastered as a launch title I will be way more hyped. Realistically though we've got RE3, FF7, TLOU2, Ghost of Tsushima all hitting pretty soon then followed up by Cyberpunk 2077 it's gonna be a great year for gaming. And these are just my most anticipated not to mention everything else coming out.
If they delay the PS5 Because of the virus, you know, they're going to delay the Xbox as well.
OK, so the PS5 MIGHT get delayed. But, I have a feeling it won't. Sony can have Vietnam, Taiwan or even Mexico manufacture the PS5 instead of China... #FACT! Also, one "manufacturing line" to build a PS5 makes about 100,000 units per month (1.2 million units/month total.. so 3 lines will be MORE than enough to manufacture PS5 consoles with no problem at all). So, the PS5 wont sell like 5 million units this year alone... maybe 2 million or 3 million TOPS!!!! So, all they need is 2-3 lines working from either this month if they want to get a good head start just in case or to begin manufacturing from June-August and then very close up until release in order to get them out by Holiday 2020... #FACT!!! 3 Manufacturing lines in Taiwan, Vietnam or Mexico will only cost an extra $5 per console BTW.. maybe $8-$10 extra at the VERY MOST! Also, 3 Manufacturing Lines = 3.6 million PS5 consoles (more than enough for Holiday 2020; and they don't prob even need to make that many.... prob only need to make 2.0-2.5 million units)... ; -) - JED
I still got about 10 big PS4 games to complete so I have no rush to buy a PS5 really. I want one But can wait.
I personally think it's got less to do with covid and more to do with the MS announcement, perhaps a feature set or power statement made Sony double take and rework their product, it would explain the delays and difficulty in pinning down a price statement.
@ownag3 location of manufacture is less relevant than supply chain issues that might be occuring globally, if any sourced component is effected it throws a number of things like cost and timelines out the window, personally I think the delayed Response is reactionary to MS console specs, isn't speculation fun! FACT!
I'd be fine with the delay...after a nasty divorce I'm trying to get back the things that were sold by the ex (Xbox One and Switch)...especially since the Switch was the kids. I also have a big backlog of games for the PS4 to complete or even start and there's still a lot of games for the PS4 I'd like to get (and with a new console, the old consoles seem to vanish from being played a lot)...so I'm fine! Plus also, it's the kids I worry about first, so I wouldn't be getting it until later anyways...at least when more games come out for it.
This is also good and will help build a stronger launch list of games, get games to come out quicker during the first few months and get all the knicks and bugs out of the games and console itself. The only thing is that they won't have the system out for Black Friday or close to Christmas, but time will tell. Spring is coming and the warmth should kill the disease going around. It's not like we're having a zombie outbreak!!!! (jokes aside, sorry). Anyways, there's still a lot coming out to be excited about for the PS4, and the Switch has some fantastic games coming out (and more to hopefully announce), and we still have yet to really see anything about Microsoft's next console (will they make a comeback, or will it be another XBONE era for them). At least major companies and indie companies will be able to have many games ready for the launches!
This article was posted yesterday, so why it looks that was posted today???
AMD confirmed at their recent conference that BOTH PS5 and XBox Series X are on track to launch this year.
Judging by past console manufacturing cycles before launch the main processors don't go into full scale production until around summer time anyway and even though PS4 was unexpectedly upgraded from 4GBs to 8GBs of RAM just prior to reveal in Feb 2013 there was enough stock at launch in November for Sony to sell a couple of million units in the first 2 weeks.
Bare in mind also that Microsoft didn't announce the XB1 until May of 2013, yet they still had enough systems on shelves to cover the demand by gamers to fulfil sales requirements.
Thr current health crisis may be something to keep an eye on, but even regular Flu has more of a dire effect on the world than this new health issue does.
We're only in early March at this point, if the issues continued into the Summer then it will affect more than just one new games console, both consoles, smart phones and countless other products would either get delayed or have large scale supply shortages, but we aren't hearing that from the manufacturing industry on the whole.
Assembly needs to begin in August or September at the latest, we're months away from then.
AMD would be singing a different tune to their investors if their sales of new RDNA2 APUs to Sony and MS were going to be affected and screw up their 2020 financial reports.
I’d rather wait and hear it from their mouths instead. Nobody knows for sure what’s going on with all this, so there’s really no need to panic.
We shouldn't assume one way or another, but with Covid19 causing all sorts of problems worldwide - it is entirely possible.
I am hoping for a 2020 release and will be disappointed if there is a delay, but as you said it’s not relevant in the grand scheme of things and can patiently wait if the console is delayed; though heartbroken😭
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