Sony says PlayStation 5 remains on track for ‘holiday 2020’ release despite obstacles caused by the coronavirus pandemic
- Sony says the PlayStation 5 is on track despite coronavirus disruptions
- The system is still slated for a ‘holiday 2020’ release date
- Sony says that game development is also currently on track
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Sony says its upcoming PlayStation 5 won’t be delayed despite obstacles created by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
According to a recent earnings report from the company, it is still expecting the console to arrive on its scheduled ‘Holiday’ 2020′ release date.
‘Regarding the launch of PlayStation 5, although factors such as employees working from home and restrictions on international travel have presented some challenges in regards to part of the testing process and the qualification of production lines, development is progressing with the launch of the console scheduled for the 2020 holiday season,’ the company said in a statement.
Sony has revealed little about how it’s next-gen console will actually look aside from its new ‘DusaSense’ controller (pictured)
Additionally, Sony says the development of its own first-party and ‘partner’ titles are also on schedule.
‘At this point in time major problems have not arisen in the game software development pipeline for Sony’s own first-party studios or its partners’ studios,’ Sony said.
Previous reports have suggested that COVID-19 could lead to a shortage of materials required to produce the PlayStation 5 and result in a limited stock.
Sony’s biggest rival in the console market, Microsoft has also brushed off potential issues with distribution in recent interviews, saying that its next-gen Xbox Series X will be delivered on time.
Microsoft, however, says that game development could be delayed by problems with international travel and lockdown measures forcing many to work from home.
Sony’s reassurance comes on the heels of a recent job listing that surfaced on Twitter suggesting the console may launch in October.
The listing, highlighted in a post on Twitter, calls for a ‘quality, cost, and delivery’ overseer in Japan and explicitly dates the release of Sony’s PlayStation 5 for ‘October 2020’ for the first time.
Previously, the company had projected a more general release date of ‘holiday 2020’ and typically doesn’t launch new consoles until November.
Despite the listing, Sony has doubled-down on its claim of a holiday season release in an official statement.