A new report from the Video Game Chronicle claims that Sony will wait for Microsoft to release the Xbox Series X before the launching the PS5. According to VGC, Sony has booked significant marketing spend for seven days commencing on Friday, 13 November 2020. This points to a possible PS5 release date.
Mulitple retail sources told VGC that a launch during this window is likely possible. Development and retail sources also claim that Microsoft will launch the Xbox Series X on a release date of 6 November. This date aligns with the previously-leaked date revealed on the Xbox Series X warranty card. According to the leaked controller, the 12-month warranty ends on 5 November 2021. 365 days after a day-one purchase.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”Gamer Network’s head of games B2B, Christopher Dring.” link=”” color=”#12FFC9″ class=”” size=”21″]“This is why we’re waiting so long to hear about pre-orders and software line-up… companies are waiting until they can be as sure as they can about what they can deliver to consumers. It’s a complicated time, and you would typically place a strong bet on PS5 arriving somewhere in the middle of November. But things can change very quickly.”[/perfectpullquote]
VGC claims the release dates make sense. Both companies want to cash in on Black Friday which takes place on 27 November. The PS5 and Xbox Series X release date would align next to key titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, and Cyberpunk 2077. Consumers get a head start on the console with game purchases to follow shortly after that.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”Gamer Network’s head of games B2B, Christopher Dring.” link=”” color=”#12FFC9″ class=”” size=”21″]“Ideally, you’d want to launch before the end of November if you want to capitalise on the Christmas sales window, as getting your product out before the final payday of the year is a key move. Indeed, after Black Friday, the biggest sales day of the year for online retail tends to be Cyber Monday, which is usually the first Monday in December.”[/perfectpullquote]
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But what about a local launch? Well, sources claim that Sony’s recent restructuring will allow a global rollout of the PS5 simultaneously. Sony Interactive Entertainment’s approach to the PlayStation 5 is very different from the previous console. The PS4 launched in the US first followed by the EU and then South Africa. While we did not have to wait long for the console, this year we may get it on the same day. According to reports, Sony’s plan for a simultaneous PS5 launch has been in motion for some time now.
Will COVID-19 get in the way of these plans? It is highly unlikely. Both Microsoft and Sony have put careful plans in place to make sure the ongoing pandemic does not affect the supply chain. Both consoles went into production in June to meet the holiday demand. While logistics could be a problem, VGC claims that Sony and Microsoft will make use of air shipments for the console launch which cost more but are able to meet the demand.
Whatever happens, November and December are going to be a rollercoaster for gaming. Not only with new hardware but games too. Multiple companies and publishers are going to fight it out for advertising space and store activations. Within 14 days, consumers will have two new consoles and some of the biggest games of the year to choose from. Exciting times indeed.