Eight months since its launch and thePlayStation 5’s availability still has not improved. For some fans though, today’s PS Direct queue may be the day they finally snag aPS5—that is, if they got the invite.
Purchasing PS5 consoles has been a fight against primarily two factors: the limited units on the market, and the scalpers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a litany of manufacturing problems have occurred resulting in computer chip shortages worldwide, in turn meaning less consoles are being produced. To make matters worse, many who are able to get their hands on the console are turning them around for astronomical prices. It is sohard to get a PS5, that when restocked to GameStop, Best Buy, or any other big retailer, the consoles are sold out in seconds.
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As pointed out by @Wario64 on Twitter, PlayStation users were receiving invitations to another PS Direct queue, scheduled for later today. This private queue will begin at 12PM PT and 3PM ET, and can only be accessed through the email link sent from PlayStation. Although the last few Direct queues did not feature a public queue, if there is one, it will likely be sometime around 2PM PT/5PM ET. Again, since thePS5 is one of the fastest selling consolesof all time, chances are the units will be gone quickly.
As the name indicates, purchasing a PS5 through the PS Direct queue is quite different from trying to purchase one from a regular retailer. Once lucky users click on the link to join the queue, they will be placed somewhere in line and as transactions are completed, gradually move towards the front of the line. There is still a sense of urgency like with any other restock—the earlier fans join in, the better their chances—but depending on their place in the queue, there remains a chance of obtaining a console. If unable to get a console, the queue will be a good place also to order additional accessories like thenew Cosmic Red and Midnight Black controllers.
It is still unclear how PlayStation users are selected to be invited for these Direct queues. Users obviously must have a PlayStation account, but how the system determines who to sent invites remains uncertain. Some users who already have a PS5 have received invites, while conversely those still playing on the PS4 have not, ironically. Regardless, with the apparent monthly nature of the PS Direct queues, as well as a semi-frequent restocks from most major retailers, Sony at least recognizes thedemand for the PlayStation 5 during these stressful times.
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