UK retailer Currys has launched a PS5 raffle system ahead of restocks

UK retailer Currys has launched a new raffle system for PlayStation 5 purchases.

Consumers hoping to get their hands on one of the sought-after consoles can now register for a PS5 Priority Pass to be in with a chance of being randomly selected to purchase one when they become available.

Participants must be 16 years old or over and it’s one entry per person.

The retailer says it will select entrants at random and email them a Priority Pass containing a unique PS5 buying code which will be valid for 72 hours, along with details of the local Currys PC World store they can purchase the console from.

Under current UK government guidelines, non-essential retailers including electronic goods stores will not be able to open any earlier than April 12, so selected participants won’t be able to get their PS5 console before that date.

“We’ll let you know as soon as we get stock and are allowed to open up safely,” Currys says.

UK technology retailer Box has been selling Xbox Series X/S consoles via a raffle system over the past few months.

When it receives fresh stock, the company selects pre-registered customers from a ballot and offers those picked the chance to purchase one of Microsoft’s latest consoles.

“Box.co.uk have taken the decision to utilise a ballot format so that customers can receive a fair chance to purchase an Xbox Series X, while keeping our website online throughout the process,” the firm explained previously.

“This ensures a smoother transaction and stops customers from having to battle each other on a website put under an enormous amount of strain with huge volumes of traffic all trying to purchase the same product at one time.”

Microsoft has suggested it could change how future consoles are pre-ordered in a bid to avoid the sort of chaotic online retail experiences witnessed in recent months.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer told The Verge in November 2020 that Microsoft has discussed giving customers the chance to put a deposit down and reserve a console with a guaranteed delivery date.

Further reading

UK responds to calls for action against scalpers

Department for Business says it's discussing the issue with trade body

At the time of publication, Microsoft UK has Xbox Series S consoles available to purchase.

However, demand for next-gen consoles is likely to outstrip supply for some time, with a Microsoft spokesperson recently saying the company expects Xbox Series X shortages to persist until the second half of 2021.

And Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan has refused to guarantee the company will be able to satisfy PS5 demand by the 2021 holiday sales season, noting in a February interview with the Financial Times that “there are very few magic wands that can be waved,” although he said the supply situation will improve throughout the year.