Your Next-Gen Console is Likely Being Made by Foxconn

foxconn-headerWay, way back in May, news broke that the next-gen Xbox One was undergoing production by Chinese electronics manufacturer Foxconn who are best known for making iPhones and iPads. Not only is the Xbox One manufactured by the controversial Chinese manufacturer but this week, we found out that Foxconn is also making the PlayStation 4.

Word that the upcoming PS4 was being manufactured by Foxconn came out when Hong Kong’s Oriental Daily learned that engineering students from China’s Xi’an Institute of Technology were forced to work hours of unpaid overtime on the assembly line for the Sony PlayStation 4. According to reports, the students were told that they wouldn’t receive their course credit for their co-op term if they didn’t work on the assembly line.

In a statement to Quartz, Foxconn said that overtime and night shifts for interns were against company policy. However, they did effective stand by putting students on the assembly line by saying, “with the opportunity to gain practical work experience and on-the-job training that will support their efforts to find employment following their graduation.”

Of course, most people are likely to take anything Foxconn says with a grain of salt. The company is very controversial as a result of poor working conditions and a number of suicides by Foxconn workers at their facilities which prompted the company to put up their infamous suicide netting.

While I don’t think many people are going to reconsider their PlayStation 4 purchase because of the Foxconn ties to the PlayStation 4, it may give some people pause. But considering how popular iPods and iPads are, I don’t think too many people are making their purchasing decision based on where their purchases are assembled.

And sorry to bury the lede but it’s not just the PlayStation 4 that is being made at Foxconn. As I mentioned up top, it was reported back in May that Foxconn was producing Xbox One consoles (back when we all thought it was going to be called the 720). Last October, we found out that the Wii U was also being made at Foxconn.

So chances are that you’re going getting something made by Foxconn if you buy a next-gen console. Don’t feel too bad though. Your iPhone was too.

Sources: Quartz, Geek, IGN

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About Steve Murray

Steve is the founder and editor of The Lowdown Blog and et geekera. On The Lowdown Blog, he often writes about motorsports, hockey, politics and pop culture. Over on et geekera, Steve writes about geek interests and lifestyle. Steve is on Twitter at @TheSteveMurray.

Posted on October 11, 2013, in Games and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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