British retailer Argos is getting a lot of negative feedback online after the stock was released at 2 am on the PlayStation 5. The console has been nearly impossible to find since its launch in November, thanks in large part to bot dealers. Unfortunately, it is not much easier to protect a system when a retailer releases its stock, as most people are still asleep, which is exactly what happened this time. According to the retailer, the stock was simply made available at the time of updating the website, which happens to be at dawn. Unfortunately, this is just another obstacle for potential PS5 owners!
A tweet from Argos explaining the launch can be found below.
They are released at that time due to the fact that this is when our website is updated, Ian. Sorry for the inconvenience. – User
– Argos (@Argos_Online) February 17, 2021
This response is unlikely to make customers happier with the nightly release, and may even mean that more drops on PS5 will happen at similar times! To complicate matters, several customers cited problems with the website, claiming that the system was in stock, but not allowing it to be added to their basket. Others were able to add the system, but were unable to check it out. The whole situation seems like a big mess, leaving many disappointed.
The situation around PS5 retailers in the UK has worsened so much that Parliament is considering banning the resale of consoles in the region. In the meantime, Argos is currently looking for ways to restrict the use of bots. In another Tweet, the retailer told a frustrated PlayStation fan that Argos is “working on implementing measures to stop money changers and ensure everyone has a fair chance.” It remains to be seen what these measures may be, but they may not come soon for some players!
For now, PlayStation fans will have to keep trying and hoping that Sony can increase its offer to meet current demand. Of course, retailers like Argos will also have to find ways to ensure that bots are also unable to obtain this supply.
Did you have a hard time buying a PlayStation 5 console? What do you think of Argos launching systems in the early hours? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts directly on Twitter at @Marcdachamp to talk about all things about games!