Yesterday marked the beginning of the next console generation, with the official launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Naturally, pre-orders of Microsoft's latest console have begun reaching their destinations, although getting the Xbox Series X intact may be a different story.
FedEx employees haven't exactly had the best track record lately, especially regarding the new Xbox. Among other things, one customer is accusing a FedEx driver of trying to steal their Series X. A video now circulating Reddit is certainly not doing FedEx any favors.
Posted to r/XboxSeriesX, Reddit user Daedalus90 titled the video with "Since there's been a lot of love for FedEx today, I'd like to share them tossing my Xbox onto my porch." The 6-second clip shows the driver dropping the package at least a few feet, possibly damaging the Series X retail box inside. The FedEx employee then quickly turns around and leaves without a second thought. The video has already accrued over 1,300 upvotes and nearly 300 comments at the time of writing.
Since there’s been a lot of love for FedEx today. I’d like to share them tossing my Xbox onto my porch. from XboxSeriesX
Reading through the thread, there's no clear word if the contents were actually damaged. That didn't stop people from speculating on Reddit, however. Some have come to the delivery worker's defense, placing the blame on "crappy wages and working conditions." Others are talking about their own experiences getting their Xbox Series X from FedEx. Several who had good interactions are saying the drivers brought their package to the door, scanned it, and laid it down nicely. Reddit is a well-established hub for the gaming community, where game studios and developers regularly interact with fans. Guerrilla Games has even credited Reddit for finding PC bugs in Horizon Zero Dawn. Perhaps FedEx should be open to feedback from the website as well.
Unfortunately, dropped or tossed boxes aren't the only issue that customers are facing. Some Xbox Series X consoles are being delayed in Canada and the UK, again because of FedEx. With the likely massive amount of Xbox Series X/S systems pre-ordered, there's bound to be a percentage of damaged packages. However, incidents like the one shown above are totally preventable.
One can hope that exposing these delivery workers will encourage new console deliveries to be handled a bit more carefully. Speaking of which, PlayStation fans can rejoice, as the PS5 releases tomorrow. In fact, players can now start redeeming PS5 games on PS Plus, even if they don't have the console yet.