Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 5 will now no longer be available to collect in physical shops on launch day globally.
Following news that UK retailers including Game, Smyths and Argos would be allowing shoppers to collect their pre-ordered Xbox Series consoles from physical stores during lockdown, many had been hopeful the same would be true of the PS5, due for release just days later.
However, Sony announced in a blogpost yesterday that the launch would now be entirely online, urging shoppers to “be safe, stay home, and place your order online”.
Update: All PS5 console sales on launch day, November 12 or November 19 depending on your region, will be online-only. No units will be available in-store for purchase.
More info: https://t.co/SikqDMEW9X pic.twitter.com/zXDCppsWm6
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) November 5, 2020
“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,” it said.
“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.”
READ MORE: Game, Smyths and Argos will remain open for Xbox & PS5 pre-order collection despite lockdown
While there is nothing specific about the UK, where the PS5 is due to launch on November 19, Sony says the policy is worldwide.
It comes as the Japanese manufacturer scrambles to supply enough stock to meet demand after pre-orders sold out in a matter of hours.
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