Game over as PS5 flies off shop shelves

THOUSANDS of gamers on Tayside have been left emptyhanded after the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 sold out within minutes.

The latest games console from Sony hit shelves and online stores on Thursday and were promptly snapped up, to the frustration of gamers and Christmas shoppers.

The PS5, touted by Sony as a “new era for gaming”, lets players experience their favourite games in 4K resolution.

It also boasts faster loading times than it’s PS4 predecessor, general gameplay enhancements and improved graphics.

Online stores such as Argos, Amazon and John Lewis have all listed the PS5 as “out of stock”, while Currys PC World had to push back its release of the product entirely.

Dundee shops also sold out swiftly with shelves in Tesco and Game emptied fast.

Some independent sellers, who bought stocks early and are looking to turn a profit, are attempting to flog the consoles on eBay for up to £2,000.

It comes just a week after Sony’s competitor Microsoft released its own Xbox Series X, which saw similar demand.

Jack Forsyth, 18, said he and his mates have had trouble getting their hands on either of the game systems.

He said: “My friend was trying to get the Xbox but he said all the stores instantly sold out when he was looking for it.

“He thinks it might be people using bots, fake accounts, to get the systems before other people can, so they can resell them. I’m not even trying to get one right now.”

One Dundee mum hoping to surprise her son with a console on Christmas morning, said: “I waited up until midnight and tried to get one, the PS5, but as soon as I looked they were gone.”

A spokesman for Currys PC World said: “We currently have no more stock online or in-store.

“We hope to have more stock available in the lead-up to Christmas. We will provide updates online, however please keep checking our website too.”

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Argos said: “It’s clear customers can’t wait to get their hands on the new consoles. Preorders went live on our website last month and are now sold out.”

Game, Tesco and Cex have also been contacted for comment.

PAGE

EIGHT