Between bots eating up sales and scalpers charging absurd prices, the PS5 has been very difficult to obtain since its launch in 2020. Those who have been holding out may be in luck, though, as a new Sony promotion is offering many people an exclusive chance at purchasing a PS5.
The past 18 months have been anything but normal, with the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically alterring daily life and industries around the world. These changes have resulted in outlets like gaming becoming utilized by many more people, but subsequently, a decrease in production of chips and console hardware. While there have been some PS5 restocks through the PS Direct, Amazon, Target, and other digital retailers, more times than not, these units are quickly purchased by bots who act faster than any regular human could. There has been a bit of breakthrough recently, though, as places like Best Buy have held in-store PS5 sales events, where people who were willing to brace the elements could finally get a console.
Sony has created a new page on the PlayStation website giving fans a potential opportunity to purchase a PS5. By following the prompts on this website, involving signing-in or creating a PlayStation ID, users may "register for an opportunity to purchase a PS5 console from PlayStation." According to Sony, the company will only have a limited number of PS5 units available for US customers to purchase directly from PlayStation itself. Like how PlayStation handled its PS Direct invitation process, lucky registrants will receive an email with instructions about how to go about purchasing a PS5.
PlayStation provides an FAQ with some more information regarding this promotion. Regarding who ends up getting picked for invitations, Sony cryptically writes, "Our selection is based on previous interests and PlayStation activities." Furthermore, Sony will be sending out invitations to those it selects in November 2021, with those who do not receive an invite not being selected. Importantly, receiving an invite still does not guarantee a PS5 console purchase, as each invitation is open for limited amount of time, meaning there are a certain number of units available for those who were selected as opposed to the first come, first serve nature of the PS Direct queues.
All in all, this promotion will definitely get a lot of people PS5 consoles for this holiday season, though it will likely also disappoint the many who apply and do not receive an invitation. As long as those who are invited follow the reservation instructions, it seems like they are guaranteed a console. The worst case scenario then, would be to be invited and miss the appointed time slot for console purchase. Other places will likely have PS5 restocks this holiday season, but this may be the best chance most people are going to get at actually snagging a PS5 for now.
Source: PlayStation