August is nearly over and we still don’t have precise launch dates for either the Xbox Series X, or the PlayStation 5. Prices for either console have also yet to be revealed. Microsoft has already confirmed a November launch target for Series X, whereas Sony is sticking to the more nebulous holiday window for PS5. According to VGC, this may be because Microsoft intends to go first. VGC cites retail and development sources in saying that Xbox Series X will launch in the first week of November. Sony, on the other hand, is believed to have booked marketing spend in the UK for the seven days beginning November 13, which indicates that PS5 will launch between November 13-20.
As VGC points out, it is still unclear whether PS5 will launch on the same day worldwide, or follow a staggered launch like PS4. The latter seems unlikely, but logistical complications brought on by the coronavirus may end up forcing Sony’s hand. In PS4’s case, Europe had to wait two weeks after the console had launched in North America. Although PS5 and Xbox Series X manufacturing is well underway, both platform holders fear shipping channels could be disrupted, which may result in a limited supply in the crucial first few weeks. There’s always the option of shipping the units by air, which is faster but obviously costs more. In either case, both Sony and Microsoft are being very careful, which VGC sources cite as the reason why solid details have been slim.
