The launch of a custom black PlayStation 5 batch “href =” https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/playstation/ps5/ “> PlayStation 5 consoles ended in disaster this weekend as outsourced company SUP3R5 canceled all orders due to alleged threats made to its employees after the sale of units.
About 300 of the highly anticipated consoles, which feature a custom design based on the PlayStation 2, went on sale to US customers on Friday, priced at $ 649 – $ 200 more than the regular PlayStation “href = “https: // www. videogameschronicle.com/platforms/playstation/”>PlayStation 5 RRP.
Unsurprisingly, given the continuing demand for Sony Interactive Entertainment “href =” https://www.videogameschronicle.com/companies/sony/ “> Sony console, the black PS5s sold out in less than 20 minutes – and they probably would have done this much faster were it not for significant technical problems on the SUP3R5 website, as he struggled to cope with demand.
The company issued a statement on Friday night, saying he was “embarrassed” at how the North American launch went, with some customers reporting that they were charged for their orders without actually receiving confirmation that they had secured a console.
A large number of black PS5 consoles also started showing up on reseller sites like eBay, with users asking for thousands of dollars, although SUP3R5 said it would cancel them.
SUP3R5 insisted it would reimburse those who were unduly charged and promised to do better with its international release, which was postponed from Saturday to the end of the month.
However, within hours of that message, the company announced that it was canceling all orders and issuing refunds due to the fact that its team allegedly received “credible threats to its security”.
“Last night, our team started receiving credible threats to its security,” the company said in a statement. “We take these threats seriously. We are not willing to risk the safety and well-being of our team or the potential impact this would have on the delivery of your order. “
He added: “All existing orders will be canceled and fully refunded in the next few days. You will receive a notification when this happens.
“We wanted it to be a fun way to celebrate shared nostalgia. It turns out that there are people who are willing to interfere with this. If we determine that it is safe to try again, we will do so. For now, please stay safe. “
The news was met with predictable frustration by those who managed to buy a console, with many customers accusing SUP3R5 of fraudulent tactics (however, there is no evidence of foul play).
Currently, Sony has not committed to launching PS5 consoles in different colors or customization options, although some other companies have promised their own solutions.
Canadian peripheral company Dbrand recently announced that it will soon accept orders for a range of black PS5 displays and rejected Sony’s suggestions to prevent this.
The launch of Dbrand’s product follows a high profile case in the UK, which saw a company cancel its plans to create custom PS5 mirrors after Sony allegedly threatened legal action.
Asked by a Reddit user whether he feared similar legal action on his faceplates, Dbrand rejected the idea, writing: “We encourage you to try.” A caption in your post on Reddit also says: “sue us, Sony”.