The launch for Sony’s next-generation console, the PS5, is right around the corner and retailers are prepping for massive demand. Just yesterday, a viral video showing PS5’s in a warehouse showcased just how many consoles have been shipped in preparation for November 12.
However, some fans are worried that they won’t be able to walk into these retail stores in-person and purchase a console. Now, Target has confirmed via its official Twitter account that PS5 consoles will be available in-store on launch day, but there’s a small catch that social media users caught on to.
There are plenty of retailers scrambling to manage next-generation consoles ahead of launch day. With complications surrounding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, retailers are dealing with supply constraints for in-store and online consumers. Even Amazon is warning customers who pre-ordered consoles that their PS5s may not arrive on launch day. Some retailers, like Target, are trying to assuage customer’s fears by reassuring them that consoles will be available in-store on launch day, but only for customers who have purchased online and selected “order pickup” or “drive up order.”
That means that customers who are walking into Target expecting to be able to pick up a PS5 off the shelf and bring it to checkout are going to be sorely disappointed. It seems that to prioritize pre-orders and availability, those customers that ordered online will have the best chance of actually getting their PS5 console on launch day through Target. It’s unfortunate that customers can’t just purchase the console with ease in-person, but it’s to be expected given the myriad of factors like the pandemic and high demand for the PS5. While customers going into Target stores might have some luck purchasing some of the PS5 launch titles in-person, picking up a PS5 without ordering online first won’t be possible.
Needless to say, this next-generation console launch day will be a lot different from previous console launch days. Though, the circumstances surrounding it are so far from the norm that it’s to be expected. However, in the PS5’s case, there are apparently more consoles available to consumers at launch. According to PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan, more PS5s will be available at launch than PS4 consoles back in 2013 during that console’s launch.
While that’s reassuring to hear, the likelihood that there will be a surplus of PS5’s to meet the massive demand is slim. Ryan has also claimed to have seen a substantial spike in its player base alongside the pandemic, as more and more people are working from home and quarantined. Sony increased PS5 production to meet demand back in July, but whether or not demand is actually met remains to be seen. Until November 12 rolls around, fans looking to pick up the console from Target might want to try ordering online before going in-person.
The PS5 releases November 12.