A major electronics retailer has offered 300 new PlayStation 5 consoles for sale in Japan – on-site in the store. However, the promotion quickly took a turn for the worse.
*Title image is a symbolic image
Here’s the current situation regarding the availability of the PS5: Even in 2021, it is far from easy to secure a PlayStation 5. While in Germany, more and more outstanding orders are finally being delivered, those who want to buy a PS5 either face disappointment or must accept inflated prices from opportunistic resellers.
Even or especially in Japan, the “home country” of the console, the PS5 is currently difficult to obtain. However, there are still many interested buyers there. This was highlighted by a sales event from a major Japanese retailer.
PS5 sale leads to tumultuous scenes and police involvement
What’s behind the chaos? On January 30, the Yodobashi Camera Electrics Megastore in Akihabara, one of the largest in Japan, offered a fresh stock of PS5 consoles for sale – on-site in the store. This led to total mayhem.
More and more people showed up, and the crowd quickly grew – mind you, despite Corona.
Shortly after, elbows were thrown – there was pushing, shoving, and insults, employees were yelled at. It apparently got so out of hand that not only were the employees pushed back, but even cash registers were “moved” by the pressing crowd.
Here are some recordings of the event:
Even Japanese citizens are somewhat surprised by the scenes. Because in Japan, such situations typically appear to be more orderly and civilized.
So how did it end? In short: In chaos. The sales event was subsequently canceled, and the police had to come to restore order.
Keep in mind: Tokyo currently has the highest Corona numbers in the country, and the government has declared a state of emergency due to the new Corona virus.
What caused such a rush? Generally, the PS5 is currently difficult to obtain even in Japan. However, there were two additional factors at play:
The store in Akihabara is apparently one of two “Yodobashi Camera” outlets in the Greater Tokyo-Yokohama area where the in-house “Black Credit Card” is not required to purchase the PS5. This card is apparently otherwise required by the chain to counteract resellers.
Additionally, this time 300 numbered tickets for the PS5 were issued – following the principle “First come, first served”. In previous sales, it was decided randomly.
Could something like this happen here? Not currently. Because here and generally in Europe, the PS5 is and will not be available in retail for the foreseeable future – due to Corona restrictions.
However, there have also been comparable, if not worse scenes in Europe, specifically during the launch of the PS4. Here’s one of many examples:
What about you? Would you try your luck in such a rush if the PS5 could be bought on-site? Or are the short and chaotic buying waves at online retailers too stressful for you?
By the way, if you are still looking for a PlayStation 5: When will the PS5 finally be available for purchase again? The current status in 2021
