Yesterday marked the official UK release of the long-awaited PlayStation 5.
The futuristic-looking console, which features next-generation gameplay and impressive 8K graphics support (something fans have been eagerly wanting to explore themselves), flew off the shelves.
Both the Digital Edition (£349.99) and the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive (£449.99) versions were available to purchase online at a number of retailers.
But yesterday the sheer demand for the console caused Tesco, John Lewis and GAME websites to crash first thing in the morning.
As a result Currys delayed its 9am launch due to the technical hitch, and when shoppers did get online they were put in a virtual queue system.
John Lewis customers were greeted with an error message when trying to access the PlayStation 5 page and GAME's website didn't even load for many online shoppers.
Amazon did offer a restock at midday after selling out quickly in the morning. However the additional stock also sold-out in record time.
For those still scrambling to find any last available stock, here is a full breakdown of what we know so far.
PlayStation 5 stock availability
Amazon - Currently out of stock with no date yet for restock.
- GAME - Out of stock - no word yet on when restock can be expected.
- Currys - Expecting more stock before end of the year.
- Very - more stock expected 'soon', shoppers advised to regularly check the website for next drop.
- John Lewis - no word yet on when the retailer is expecting to restock. The retailer also confirms online that "Unfortunately, PlayStation 5 consoles will not be available for purchase at our John Lewis & Partners shops or from our contact centres"
- Asda - Expected to restock in December.
Tesco - no word yet on when the retailer is expecting to restock.
Desperate gamers even decided to camp outside of shops in a bid to get one of the consoles. Huge queues were spotted on high streets across the country.
However prior to the release, Sid Shuman, Senior Director of SIE Content Communications, confirmed: “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.
“Gamers 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. Please confirm the details with your local retailer."
But many shoppers who had pre-ordered were also left disappointed.
A number of GAME and Amazon customers were notified that orders were being delayed on UK launch day.
GAME stated in an email to customers that the issue with fulfilment was due to issues with its courier service provider YODEL.
It wrote: “Due to the volume of PlayStation 5’s in the UK market and the size of the product, the launch has led to UK wide delivery challenges for all Retailers and Couriers.
“Our aim has always been to ensure that as many orders arrive on time for release day as possible therefore, we have had to secure multiple couriers to help try to achieve this.
“However, for reasons beyond the control of GAME, YODEL have informed us today (18th November) that not all orders due to be delivered by them will be delivered on release day."
