For several months, the reality of next-generation consoles launching soon has grown more real. A year ago the PlayStation 5 was just an idea, but now it's a product with a shape, hardware specifications, and a launch line-up. Now the PS5 is growing one step more real, as retailers begin to receive shipments of the console's accessories. Specifically, it appears the PS5's DualSense controller may be getting stocked.
Twitter user @GamesAndWario released a photo online Friday that shows a retail box for the PS5 DualSense controller amidst a pile of boxes. The Tweet said a DualSense controller shipment had just arrived at Walmart, so the photo was likely taken either at a warehouse or an individual store's back area. Regardless, with less than a month until the PS5 launches worldwide, retailers are apparently beginning to receive accessory stock.
Another source of DualSense controllers in the wild has also been discovered. Redditor Drew_Yt shared a listing they found on Facebook for a lone DualSense controller, being sealed for $100. In other words, it appears that someone has gotten their hands on a retailer's stock early and is trying to sell it on the market. It's worth noting that the standard retail pricing for a DualSense controller is $70.
Stolen merchandise finding its way onto Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist isn't uncommon in the gaming industry. Several video games have been leaked prior to launch in such a manner. Leaking the DualSense controller doesn't make much sense, however, as the controller isn't built to work with a PlayStation 4, so purchasers would end up having to wait for the PS5 to launch in order to use those accessories anyway.
Needless to say, if DualSense controllers are starting to appear in retailers' storage, it's just a matter of time before PS5s start to show up as well. With the PS5's November release date just a few weeks away, retailers are going to want to stock up before launch. Odds are most of the early PS5 shipments are already claimed via pre-orders, though.
On the other side of the aisle, both Xbox Series X consoles and controllers have been seen online. However, it doesn't seem like they've made an appearance at retailers so much as shared via preview coverage. The dam hasn't broken in terms of Xbox next-gen hardware making its way to retailers yet, but with the DualSense starting to show up, it may only be a matter of time.
The PS5 releases November 12.
Source: Reddit (via PushSquare)