Players hoping to secure their PlayStation 5 prior to the next-generation console’s launch date won’t be able to do so in-person at Walmart. Pre-orders for Sony’s console began the day of the PS5 showcase, which aired on September 16th. However, the huge amount of excitement and rush to secure a PS5 pre-order caused GameStop’s servers to crash, followed by other retailers as they opened pre-orders. Unsurprisingly, this same phenomenon occurred on Microsoft’s servers when the Xbox Series X ans Series S pre-orders began today.
The PlayStation 5 is scheduled to launch on November 12th, just two days after the Xbox Series X. The PS5’s digital edition retails at USD $399.99, while its Blu-Ray capable sibling retails at $499.99. Fans could place their pre-orders at various retailers, such as Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, and Amazon, but stock sold out within hours at every retailer. However, the aforementioned retailers have been periodically restocking, making pre-orders available only to sell out again.
Addressing the rush fans trying to secure a PS5 pre-order in the wake of the current health crisis, Walmart announced a change in its decision to host in-person pre-orders. The company told GameSpot that it's no longer offering in-store pre-orders in order to maintain safe social distancing. Physical, in-store stock will only be available to customers on the console’s launch date, but online pre-orders are expected to become available sporadically until then. Walmart’s website currently lists the console as “Coming Soon,” preventing customers from pre-ordering, but this could change at a moment’s notice.
It’s no surprise that fans’ rush to place a pre-order for the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X caused retailers’ servers to either crash or respond sluggishly. After Microsoft’s marketing disaster with the original Xbox One - advertising it as an entertainment hub rather than a gaming console and including a Kinect that few people actually wanted - the company needed to up its game for the next generation, which it has done effectively. The same enthusiasm is both a boon for Sony and a disaster for unlucky consumers unable to secure a PS5.
The real shame is the shortage in the PS5’s digital edition and the inferior specs of the Xbox Series S. The digital age is no longer coming, it’s here, and consoles should reflect that reality and be the primary focus of companies and manufacturers. Systems with disc drives should still be produced for customers who prefer to own physical copies of their games or use their consoles as Blu-Ray players, but physical editions should no longer be the go-to for companies. When Sony has more systems available for retailers and customers, it should really consider focusing on the digital edition.
The PS5 is scheduled to launch on November 12th, 2020.
Source: GameSpot
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