Have the Console Wars Already been Won?
Both the PS5 and the Xbox have had significant issues when it comes to preorders. Of course, that’s natural; in a year that’s seen the COVID-19 epidemic delay multiple anticipated games, movies, and TV shows, as well as flat out halted the production of others, caused some impromptu cancellations, and caused issues with manufacturing and shipping across the globe, it’s understandable. People are desperate to get their hands on the new consoles as soon as possible to ensure they don’t have to wait any longer than necessary to get their hands on it.
We reported on the massive problems that caused the PS5 to sell out within hours. Many people who’re reading this now were probably unable to secure a console for day one, but we finally have some context for the demand, as the PS5 has sold more pre-orders in the first twelve hours than the PS4 did in the first twelve weeks. To break it down even further, that’s a massive 1/168th of the time. We don’t have exact numbers as of yet, but Sony expect to clear 7 million units by the end of the fiscal year in March 2021, outperforming the PS4.
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Unfortunately, pre-ordering a console doesn’t mean it’s sure to arrive on time. We received multiple reports of retailers cancelling pre-orders and still others of pre-orders being delayed. (I managed to get a pre-order on day one, and according to the retailer won’t have it delivered until November 19th- a full week after the release date). Some retailers have even been sending emails out letting people know they won’t get the coveted console until 2021 due to demand – but when you look at how many units have been pre-ordered and take into account the massive issues that the COVID-19 has caused to production, it’s honestly surprising that more people haven’t been affected in a more major way. Some lucky reviewers have already received their consoles, and with the embargo being lifted earlier today expect a lot more news, reviews, and unboxing videos in the coming days.
Did you pre-order a PS5? Let us know down in the comments.