Don't expect to pick up a PlayStation 5 in stores when it releases next week.
On the PlayStation Blog, Sid Shuman, Senior Director of SIE Content Communications, revealed today that there will be no physical sales of the PlayStation 5 when it releases next week. Shuman revealed that all purchases of the system for launch will be done online.
"Hi all - the launch of the PlayStation 5 console on November 12 (or November 19, depending on your region) is almost upon us!" Shuman stated. "In the interest of keeping our gamers, retailers, and staff safe amidst COVID-19, today we are confirming that all day-of launch sales will be conducted through the online stores of our retail partners.
"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."
In other PlayStation 5 news, it was revealed that the console will not support expanded memory at launch. Speaking to The Verge, Sony stated that expanding the system's memory will be "reserved for a future update." PlayStation hardware architect Mark Cerny stated that gamers should hold off buying SSDs to expand their PlayStation 5's memory until they hear from Sony. The problem, as Cerny explains, is that not all compatible SSDs are fast enough to keep up with the console, thin enough to fit into the SSD bay, or compatible with the I/O controller. Sony has stated that they will be doing compatibility testing later this year.
The PlayStation 5 will release on November 12th.
