We’re less than a week away from the official launch of the PlayStation 5. Sony’s next-generation system is easily the most sought after console on the market today, and with that absolutely insane pre-order situation that we all went through, we figured that it was high probability that they wouldn’t be able to get the console onto store shelves before the end of 2020. Well, Sony has made it official, as the company has announced that all of the launch-day sales for the PlayStation 5 will be online only, meaning that physical retail stores will not carry the system for the remainder of the year.
Along with this update, Sony is discouraging gamers from camping outside of stores in hopes that they might get a PlayStation 5, as it will be for nothing. However, if you still wish to utilize your local retailer with your online pre-order, you still have the option for in-store pickup. It’s important to note that only your order will be sent to the store if you choose this route, and it does not mean that the stores will get any actual stock of the system.
In addition to the fact that the console is virtually sold out, Sony is also trying to prevent any more issues for the 2020 holiday season, which is taking place during the COVID-19 Pandemic. As such, the company more than likely sees the potential turnout for huge lines and crowd gatherings for the PlayStation 5, and more than likely wants to mitigate that. On top of that, some select major retailers are planning on having the console available online during this holiday season, such as Walmart who is going to have four different times of availability on the day it releases.
The PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition will both launch next week on November 12.