UK retailer Argos is getting a lot of negative feedback online after a two-hour stock release for the PlayStation 5. The console has been nearly impossible to catch up with since its release in November, especially thanks to retailers using bots. Unfortunately, it is not much easier to secure a system if a retailer releases its inventory, as most people are still asleep, which is exactly what happened this time. According to the dealer, the stock was simply made available when the site was updated, which happens in the early morning hours. Unfortunately, this is just another hurdle for prospective PS5 owners!
A tweet from Argos explaining the release can be found below.
They are being released at that time due to the fact that our website, Ian, is being updated. Apologies for the inconvenience. – Nick
– Argos (@Argos_Online) 17 February 2021
The answer is unlikely to make customers happier about the late-night release, and it could even mean more PS5 drops will happen at similar times! Complicating the matter, a number of customers have cited issues with the site, claiming that the system is in stock but not allowed to add it to their cart. Others could add the system but could not pull out. The whole situation seems like a big mess, which is very disappointing.
The situation around PS5 retailers in the UK has become so dire that Parliament is considering a ban on the resale of consoles in the region. Meanwhile, Argos is currently looking for ways to limit the use of bots. In another Tweet, the retailer told a frustrated PlayStation fan that Argos “is working on implementing measures to stop scalpers from ensuring everyone has a fair chance.” It remains to be seen what the measures may be, but it may not be fast enough for some players!
For now, PlayStation fans will just have to keep trying and hope that Sony can increase the supply to meet the current demand. Retailers like Argos will of course also have to find ways to ensure that bots also cannot catch the supply.
Having trouble buying a PlayStation 5 console? What do you think of Argos releasing systems in the early morning hours? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts directly on Twitter at @Marcdachamp to play over everything that plays!