PS5 in-store purchases have been banned in the U.S., U.K., and other regions, with Sony revealing that the console will be exclusively available to purchase online on launch day. This means that those looking to travel to retailers on the PS5 release day will not have to do so, with Sony instead only allowing retailers to distribute the hardware online.
Sony has made the announcement fewer than two weeks before the PS5 will go on sale in the U.S., with the company stating that it was looking to keep “gamers, retailers, and staff safe” through the ongoing pandemic.
The statement from Sony reads:
“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.
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.”
Will PS5 online-only sales affect pre-orders?
While various stores remain open in the U.S., the U.K. is currently beginning its second national lockdown, with many questioning whether or not the PS5 launch would be delayed as a result.
Retailers in the region revealed that in-store collections would still be made available, which does not seem to contradict Sony’s own statements on the matter. This latest announcement seemingly only affects new purchases, and not those who have already pre-ordered the console.
Where can I buy the PS5?
Sony has urged those who would have otherwise lined up to purchase the PS5 in-store on its November 12 and November 19 launch dates to refrain from doing so, as no consoles will be available to buy using these methods.
Instead, buyers can wait until the console will be back in stock on online retailers such as Amazon. Currently, no fresh stock of the PS5 has been made available online, though retailers are expected to push more units on-sale on launch day. Accessories are also expected to be restocked, though buyers shouldn’t expect to see new custom faceplates, given Sony’s legal action against third-party sellers.
