The case for delaying the PS5 and Xbox Series X

Back in July, I wrote about how neither Sony nor Microsoft seem all that confident about their upcoming 9th generation consoles. Now that the critical fall season is upon us, it seems like we’re no further ahead than we were at the start of summer. Both companies are still holding their cards very close to their chests. At this point, we need to have a serious discussion about not whether these consoles will release in November, but whether they even should.

So, we have a couple new revelations this week. One comes from YouTuber Spawnwave, who expressed concern that Microsoft hasn’t actually shown any Series X exclusive games running on actual Series X hardware. It’s either pre-rendered footage, or “representative of expected gameplay”. Meaning that it’s likely running on a PC.

Most of what Microsoft has shown off are older titles that don’t really take advantage of what the system is capable of. Then, we also have that now infamous Halo Infinite demo. The game has since been delayed for polishing. Which raises some significant concerns, since this was supposed to have been a major launch exclusive for the system.

Many game developers have been forced to work from home due to recent events. Which is serving to slow up production. As someone who setup the remote working environment in my own workplace, I can tell you that it’s difficult to be as productive off site as it is at the office. Simply because it’s more difficult to access tools and collaborate off the network. Especially when you’re also balancing large bandwidth needs with crummy consumer internet connections. So if I were to speculate, I think a lot of Microsoft’s first party studios are struggling to get their games out by such a narrow deadline.

Meanwhile over on team PlayStation, software doesn’t seem to be the issue. Sony has been showing off some absolutely gorgeous games running on the PS5. The new Ratchet and Clank could very well be taken straight from a Pixar film. However, it seems they may instead be having difficult sourcing the hardware.

Sony has opened up a rather perplexing registration system that lets you pre-order your pre-order for the PlayStation 5. Requiring users to have a pre-existing PlayStation ID, and even then you’re not guaranteed to get an invite. Those will be chosen on a limited basis, depending on “previous interests and PlayStation activities.”

This tells me that come November, the supposed launch window for the PS5, supplies are going to be very limited. Which is unsurprising given souring international relations and trade difficulties with the Peoples Republic of China, where most consoles are made. Particularly as the Communist Orchestrated Viral Infection Disaster still runs amok across the globe.

Speaking of the CCP Virus, many regions have taken a large economic hit due to fallout from COVID. Those who aren’t already in recession are teetering dangerously close to it.

We don’t even know the prices of these consoles yet. Which again, is rather strange given how close we are to their alleged release. However, every gaming pundit and his brother seems to expect them to cost at least $500 USD, with some expecting them to go for a $600. Which is a butt puckering $785 Canadian Roubles. While I can personally afford that (not to toot my own horn), what I can’t necessarily do is justify spending that much for a single purpose entertainment device. As a lot of people are forced to be more careful with their money, I suspect many gamers will be asking similar questions. Besides, if there’s shortages, which I think there certainly will be, eBay scalpers are going to have a field day. Good luck finding one for MSRP at launch.

So, with all this in mind, you have to ask whether it makes sense to release a new generation of hardware in 2020? Quite frankly, I don’t think it does. At this point, both Sony and Microsoft feel like they’re just rushing to get something out. It keeps shareholders happy in the short term, but we’re seriously running into the risk of having disastrous launches for both systems.

Already, from the general scuttlebutt around the gaming community, I’m not feeling the sense of hype I have in the past. It’s there, but it’s rather low key this time around. Most seem happy sticking with their 8th generation consoles for now. So perhaps its best to delay both systems until 2021. Hopefully by then, supply and software problems will be sorted out. Ensuring a smooth and painless launch. Releasing them now, before they’re ready, will only serve to erode goodwill among their fans.

Feature image by Tom Woodward via Flickr