PS5 and new Xbox Series X could be delayed as China coronavirus crisis grows

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GAMERS may be forced to wait even longer before getting get their mitts on the new Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

That’s because production of the hotly-anticipated machines could be delayed or halted ahead of their releases just before Christmas.

Microsoft unveiled its latest console, the Xbox Series X, last year. It’s due for release in the run-up to Christmas

Scores of factories in China where the consoles are being put together have closed following the terrifying coronavirus outbreak.

Workers at major plants building tech for Apple, Sony and more are being told to stay at home in a bid to stem the spread of the disease.

The shutdowns have halted manufacturing, threatening to strangle the supply of gadgets like iPhones and games consoles to Western markets.

One company has claimed the crisis could disrupt production of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

Concept art for the PlayStation 5, which is due for release later this year

Financial services firm Jefferies Group published a note last week suggesting the delays may push back the consoles’ respective release dates.

Both announced last year, the PS5 and Series X are the first major consoles in seven years from Sony and Microsoft. They’ve been given vague “Holidays 2020” release dates.

“The video game sector is currently manufacturing, or beginning to, a once-in-several-years’ product generation change for the 2020 holiday season,” the Jefferies Group note reads, according to Business Insider.

“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.”

It’s hard to know how long the coronavirus outbreak will last, but it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

The number of deaths has rocketed to 910 with more than 40,000 cases reported globally.

Health secretary Matt Hancock warned on Monday that the virus had become a “serious and imminent threat” to Brits following a handful of confirmed cases in the UK.

Entire cities in China are on lockdown as authorities try to control the spread of coronavirus

While companies like Nintendo have already announced production delays due to factory shutdowns, it’s unlikely Sony and Microsoft consoles will be affected, according to one expert.

That’s because the gaming giants could shift production to other countries to dodge productions woes.

“Xbox and PlayStation dont have to be produced in China, but obviously that is the lowest cost country,” industry analyst Michael Pachter told TechRadar.

“I think Sony and Microsoft will quietly arrange for production in Taiwan and Vietnam (at a cost of maybe $5 10 per unit more at most) just to be safe.”

The Sun has contacted Microsoft and Sony for comment.

Microsoft confirmed in December that its new console would be named the Xbox Series X.

The contraption will apparently run games at 4K resolution – double that of HD – with the possibility of running 8K.

It will also process games faster so as to “eliminate” loading times. A new Halo title will launch with the console.

Sony got in a bit before Microsoft, revealing details of its PS5 console in October.

Loading up a game on the PlayStation 5 will be ten times faster than on PS4, according to the company.

We’re expecting new God of War and Horizon: Zero Dawn titles to launch with the console.

In other news, Sony recently confirmed thePS5 will release in time for Christmas 2020.

A recent “price leak” suggested that the console could cost 250 more than its predecessor.

And we reveal thebest PS5 games you can expect to play this year.

Do you plan on splashing out on one of the new consoles? Let us know in the comments!