While the coronavirus outbreak has sparked speculation and worry that major equipment launches will be delayed this year, AMD has assured that Sony's PS5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X will launch in 2020.
During its Q2 earnings call, the chipmaker expressed optimism that the next-generation consoles will arrive "Holiday 2020."
AMD has special insight into the PS5 and Xbox Series X, as it provides the main processors for both consoles."We expect semi-custom sales to increase in the second quarter and be weighted toward the second half of the year as we ramp up production to support the holiday season launch of the new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X," said Dr. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, during the earnings call.
From this, we can assume that AMD has nailed down and is ready to produce chips for the next generation of consoles. This is important in order to produce the PS5 and Xbox Series X in time for Christmas 2020 and get them on store shelves.
It would also be quite profitable for AMD to supply chips for the new game consoles, as it did with the PS4 and Xbox One. AMD has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years with its Ryzen processor lineup, and the additional revenue from the consoles could be put into research and could be channeled into research and development of the next chip.
Nevertheless, some sources suggest that Sony may not be manufacturing as many PS5 consoles as expected at launch, as the COVID-19 crisis has depressed demand for non-essential products. However, Suh said that AMD is ready to respond, suggesting that there are still plenty of next-generation consoles on the market that fans can get their hands on at launch.
AMD may be confident in the PS5 and Xbox Series X, but we are still waiting for more details from Sony and Microsoft. Sony and Microsoft have already unveiled a lot of information about their consoles, from specs to design, but have yet to announce any major exclusives for the upcoming Xbox. However, Microsoft will hold a special event on May 7 to show off gameplay on the new console for the first time.
Sony has not even shown off the PS5 design, only the DualSense controller, and no exclusive software for the PS5 has yet been revealed or confirmed to appear. However, Sony is rumored to be holding a special launch event on June 4, where we may see the console's design and exclusive games for the first time.
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