The PlayStation 5 is set to be released on November 12th in the U.S. and most key territories, with a UK debut following on November 19th. However, regardless of where you live, you won't be able to find the console in stores on release day. This was confirmed by Sony today on PlayStation.Blog.
The company has revealed that all day-of launch sales will be conducted through the online stores of their retail partners.
"No units will be available in-store for purchase on launch day," they reveal. "[Please] don’t plan on camping out or lining up at your local retailer on launch day in hopes of finding a PS5 console for purchase. Be safe, stay home, and place your order online."
Given what's happening in the world right now with the pandemic, this isn't overly surprising. However, it's bound to be a disappointing development for those of you who were hoping to head to your local Best Buy or Target next Thursday to try and nab one of the consoles.
Sony failed to announce when pre-orders went live, and that meant a lot of people missed out on being able to secure a PS5.
Before you start panicking, though, there is some good news! "In the interest of keeping our gamers, retailers, and staff safe amidst COVID-19," Sony reveals, "today we are confirming that all day-of launch sales will be conducted through the online stores of our retail partners."
Now, gamers will just have to hope that the process of buying a PS5 online is easier this time around...