Sony insists the PlayStation 5 is still on track for a Q4 2020 release, but numbers of the machine might be limited, Bloomberg reports-- and not because of the coronavirus (aka Covid-19) pandemic is affecting production.
According to the news story, Sony plans to ship 5-6 million PS5 units by end Q1 2021, compared to the 7.5m PS4 units sold during the equivalent launch period (one involving a delayed release in Japan). However, Bloomberg says, the limited launch numbers are not due to the pandemic. Instead the main reason lies within machine itself. The PS5 is reportedly much more technically ambitious than the PS4, leading to a higher launch price and, directly, fewer early adopters.
While the PS4 launched with a $399 pricetag without leading to heavy losses for Sony, analysts say the PS5 would be a loss-maker even at $450. As such, Bloomberg expects the next-gen console to be initially available at up to $549. The same can also be said about the upcoming Microsoft machine, the Xbox Series X.
PS5 production is set to kick off on June 2020. Sony has already revealed some technical specifications and the controller of the machine, but the final design remains a secret, at least for now.
