There’s still hope for anybody yet to get their hands on PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles in time for Christmas.
The PlayStation 5 has been hugely popular since launching in November, perhaps even to the surprise of Sony.
Whenever the PS5 has gone on sale, units have been snapped up within a matter of minutes. It’s a similar story for the Xbox Series X and S.
There is, however, one thing customers may want to try in a last-ditch effort to bag a next-gen console.
As pointed out by Digital Foundry Deals, some fans have been able to get their hands on a device by visiting local retail stores in person. Imagine that!
While this isn’t possible in all areas due to COVID-19 restrictions (and judging by the rising rates of infection it might be better to stay at home), stores like Currys, Smyths and GAME don’t always put their stock online. It’s certainly worth checking in if you happen to be passing by.
As you can see from the tweet below, you might arrive when they’ve just had a delivery.
Other people have been able to order next-gen consoles from European Amazon stores that deliver to the UK.
It’s unlikely at this point that the international orders will arrive in time for Christmas, but it’s worth a try if you don’t mind waiting.
Alternatively, it’s a good idea to bookmark the Stock Informer website, and follow stock trackers on social media.
Express Online will also continue to post about any potential re-stocks in the UK and the US.
Unfortunately, however, it’s not just gaming fans that have been hunting for next-gen devices. Scalpers have been stockpiling consoles in a bid to sell them on at massively inflated prices.
The issue has become so severe that UK politicians are looking at introducing new laws to deter scalpers and bots.
Members of the Scottish National Party have tabled an early day motion to prohibit the re-selling of video game consoles at greatly inflated prices, and to make the re-sale of goods purchased using automated bots an illegal activity.
Early day motions are issues that are submitted for debate in the House of Commons. This particular motion has attracted lots of signatures, so fingers crossed we see some progress.
The SNP Members of Parliament liken the potential legal ramifications to those introduced for the secondary selling of concert tickets.
While the proposals are a step in the right direction, the timings make it unlikely to make much difference for Christmas 2020.
