The launch of Sony's new PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X could be delayed - due to the current coronavirus outbreak holding up production.
A report from Business Insider claims the debut of both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X could face delays as coronavirus continues to spread, having now killed more than 600 people, the majority of whom have been in China.
According to Business Insider, China's manufacturing sector - which is 'responsible for producing the vast majority of the world's consumer electrics' - has been hit particularly hard by the spread of the virus.
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In turn, it's believed that this may have a knock-on effect for forthcoming consoles like PlayStation 5, analysts have warned.
A note from Jefferies Group that was published this week, as reported by Business Insider, said: "The video game sector is currently manufacturing, or beginning to, a once-in-several-years' product generation change for the 2020 holiday season."
While the industry could make up for showdowns lasting a couple of weeks, the note argues that if this stretches into the months, this may lead to production delays.
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It continued: "If [company] shutdowns exceed a month or so, game schedules will be delayed. New consoles may likewise suffer supply issues from a prolonged disruption, ahead of their Fall 2020 planned launches."
Business Insider reports that the production of Sony and Microsoft's next-generation consoles ramp up production, their respective launches 'could see delays' - or, at least, 'constrained launch supply due to the coronavirus outbreak'.
The news outlet says Foxconn, the manufacturing company that produces iPhone, has been quarantining workers, with at least one supply chain executive telling Nikkei Asian Review: "The [coronavirus] situation in China could affect the planned production schedule [of the next iPhone]."
Nintendo has also already announced delays on production for 'peripheral devices' such as the Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con.
A statement on the Nintendo website, translated into English by Google, said: "Thank you very much for your patronage of our products.
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"Due to the current outbreak of the new coronavirus infection, it is expected that production and shipment delays will be inevitable for peripheral devices such as the Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con produced in China for the Japanese market.
"Similarly, shipments of the currently out-of-stock 'Ring Fit Adventure' are expected to be delayed.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
"We will continue to work to deliver products as soon as possible while paying close attention to the effects of the new coronavirus infection, and we look forward to your understanding."
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LADbible has contacted Sony and Microsoft for comment.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: News, sony, Microsoft, Coronavirus, Technology