The Coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China is already affecting a new Switch console release, and may also affect the Sony and Microsoft Holiday 2020 console releases.
The Coronavirus, which has infected over 37,000 people, may halt production on Sony and Microsoft’s Holiday 2020 console releases, as it has already delayed the release of Nintendo’s Animal Crossing Switch in Japan.
As China produces many important components of video game technology, Business Insider reports that financial services company Jefferies Group states the following about console production companies in China. “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 goes on to report that the Coronavirus may soon affect the release of the latest iPhone.
Nintendo’s latest aesthetic update for their Nintendo Switch console will feature characters from the coming Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. In speaking with Kotaku, Nintendo states the following about console stock in North America and Europe.
We can confirm that the manufacturing of some Nintendo products for the Japanese market has been delayed due to the impact of 2019-nCoV coronavirus outbreak. Nintendo does not anticipate a significant impact on our broader global supply chain for systems and accessories at this time, and product sales in North America and Europe, including preorders, are not affected. We would like to express our concern and support for all those affected by the coronavirus during this challenging time.
Video games and gaming console are nowhere near the focus of the Coronavirus that is currently ravaging Wuhan. Our report is by no means meant to disrespect the risk of life and global epidemic that the Coronavirus threatens. We remain hopeful that a cure for the Coronavirus will soon be found, regardless of the facets of the entertainment industry that it coincidentally affects.
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