Update: As reported by Kotaku, pre-orders for the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch console has been postponed. The pre-orders have now been moved from February 8 and listed as TBA.

Nintendo has issued a public apology to customers for the delays of Nintendo products produced in China due to the recent and current outbreak of the coronavirus. Nintendo state that production and shipment of products such as the Nintendo Switch consoles, Joy-Cons, and the Ring Fit Adventure game that comes with a physical ring item are expected to be delayed.

The apology is published on Nintendo's Japanese website and details the impact that the coronavirus is having on the company. The Nintendo products that are being produced in China are produced for the Japanese market, however, since the virus has spread from China to other areas of the world over the past month, measures are being taken to stop the virus from spreading further.

The statement, according to Google Translate is available to read below, or on the official website.

“Thank you for your patronage of our products.

Due to the current outbreak of the new coronavirus infection, it is expected that production and shipment delays will be inevitable for peripheral devices such as the Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con produced in China for the Japanese market. Was. Similarly, shipments of the currently out-of-stock “Ring Fit Adventure” are expected to be delayed.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We will continue to work to deliver products as soon as possible while keeping an eye on the effects of the new coronavirus infection.”

Personally, I don't think Nintendo should have labeled this as an apology, but more of a statement because the company is clearly trying to do its part in reducing the spread of the virus. Of course, if it's labeled as an apology because there have been numerous complaints, then I sincerely hope that those complaining are a bit more understanding now. Things happen, you'll get your stuff eventually.

The coronavirus has caused a few delays already with Blizzard canceling the Chinese Overwatch League Matches for the next two months, League of Legends LPL and LDL matches are also delayed, and the Taipei Game Show 2020 has also been delayed until Summer.

The coronavirus originated from Wuhan, China and is a member of the coronavirus family that hasn't been encountered before. The virus has come from animals and is now being transferred between humans. Mainland China reports that the death toll is roughly 490, there are 24,505 confirmed cases worldwide, however, roughly 24,292 of those cases are in Mainland China. UK scientists are potentially on the verge of developing a cure.

It's unclear when Nintendo will resume producing and shipping their products to Japan and if the rest of the world will be affected. It's also unclear if these delays will still be in effect for when the new Animal Crossing: New Horizons themed Nintendo Switch releases. But hey, let's focus on washing our hands.