Sony confirms no PS5s will be available in stores at launch due to Covid-19

Sony has confirmed that all PlayStation 5 sales at launch will be online only, with no units available in stores next week.

In a statement published on Thursday, SIE’s communications boss Sid Shuman said that the measures had been put in place to keep customers and retailers safe amid rising cases of Covid-19.

It’s currently unclear exactly which regions Sony’s statement applies to, but both its US and European arms have shared the message.

“In the interest of keeping our gamers, retailers, and staff safe amidst COVID-19, today we are confirming that all day-of launch sales will be conducted through the online stores of our retail partners,” he said.

“No units will be available in-store for purchase on launch day (November 12 or November 19, depending on your region) – 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.”

Those who have pre-ordered for pick-up at their local retailer should still be able to do so at their designated appointment time, under the retailer’s safety protocols, Shuman added.

Earlier on Thursday Sony Japan confirmed that there would be no further consoles available to purchase on launch day in the country.

“Due to the high interest and many orders from users, the launch is sold out by the reserved amount,” the company said.

“While there are still concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, we do not plan to hold events or sell PS5 at stores on the day of PS5 release in order to ensure the safety of customers, retailers, and staff,” it added.

In an interview published last month, PlayStation boss Ryan claimed that PS5 pre-order demand had been “very considerable”. Sony took as many PS5 pre-orders in the first 12 hours in the United States as it did in the first 12 weeks for PS4, he claimed.