Without question, the PlayStation 5 is one of 2020's biggest wants. But despite a pre-order gong show, Sony is now confirming that there will be no PS5 consoles available to buy in person at retailers upon launch.
In Sony's announcement today, the company said the move was specifically due to the ongoing pandemic and in the interest of safety. To help curb the spread of COVID-19, Sony is urging eager gamers not to flood stores upon launch in hopes of grabbing the next-gen console. Instead, they will have to try their luck online.
"In the interest of keeping our gamers, retailers, and staff safe amidst COVID-19, today we are confirming that all day-of launch sales will be conducted through the online stores of our retail partners," Sony stated. "No units will be available in-store for purchase on launch day (November 12 or November 19, depending on your region) — please don't plan on camping out or lining up at your local retailer on launch day in hopes of finding a PS5 console for purchase. Be safe, stay home, and place your order online."
For those who already pre-ordered a PS5, Sony said, "Gamers who have pre-ordered for pick-up at their local retailer should still be able to do so at their designated appointment time, under the retailer's safety protocols. Please confirm the details with your local retailer."
While events like midnight launches are no doubt exciting, the move is a completely reasonable one — a decision that shows some real responsibility on Sony's part.
The PS5 arrives in North America on November 12, with the console then getting a worldwide release on November 19. If you haven't pre-ordered one yet, various retailers, such as Walmart, have begun promising that more consoles will be available online to purchase on launch day.
In Sony's announcement today, the company said the move was specifically due to the ongoing pandemic and in the interest of safety. To help curb the spread of COVID-19, Sony is urging eager gamers not to flood stores upon launch in hopes of grabbing the next-gen console. Instead, they will have to try their luck online.
"In the interest of keeping our gamers, retailers, and staff safe amidst COVID-19, today we are confirming that all day-of launch sales will be conducted through the online stores of our retail partners," Sony stated. "No units will be available in-store for purchase on launch day (November 12 or November 19, depending on your region) — please don't plan on camping out or lining up at your local retailer on launch day in hopes of finding a PS5 console for purchase. Be safe, stay home, and place your order online."
For those who already pre-ordered a PS5, Sony said, "Gamers who have pre-ordered for pick-up at their local retailer should still be able to do so at their designated appointment time, under the retailer's safety protocols. Please confirm the details with your local retailer."
While events like midnight launches are no doubt exciting, the move is a completely reasonable one — a decision that shows some real responsibility on Sony's part.
The PS5 arrives in North America on November 12, with the console then getting a worldwide release on November 19. If you haven't pre-ordered one yet, various retailers, such as Walmart, have begun promising that more consoles will be available online to purchase on launch day.
