Retailers tell customers that launch-day units may not be fulfilled on new orders

Multiple UK retailers say they can no longer guarantee a new PS4 on release day for those who place new pre-orders.

As CVG revealed in July, PS4 pre-orders placed after Monday August 5 may be not be fulfilled on release day. Retail outlets have now begun informing consumers that Sony has informed them it can't guarantee to meet day-one demand for the console.

Asda says: "Any customer who has placed a Pre-Order with Asda for a Sony PlayStation 4 console before 5th August will have their console delivered on day of launch. These amended Terms & Conditions are for all Pre-order placed on or after the 5th August now that Sony have suspended Guaranteed Day 1 Pre-Ordering."

Amazon says: "Please note--due to high demand, orders placed for this PlayStation 4 console from August 6 may be received after release date. We will ship orders as soon as we receive sufficient inventory."

While other retailers like Tesco and GAME aren't prominently displaying similar messages on their websites, they're expected to follow suit shortly. Sony has been contacted for clarification.

Sources close to the matter told CVG that retail outlets have also been promised additional units for general sale on day one - meaning those who do not pre-order will still have a small chance of buying the system on release day.

Analysts have already issued warnings about PS4 and Xbox One release day supplies.

"It is more likely than not that there will be initial shortages," said Robert W. Baird analyst Colin Sebastian.

Microsoft has confirmed an Xbox One release date of November 2013. It will go head-to-head with the PS4 release, which is set for a vague 'holiday 2013' launch.

In June, PlayStation America chief Jack Tretton warned that demand would outstrip supply.

""I certainly think, given the technology that we're offering, given the software line-up, given the price point we have, that we'll have consumers interested in excess of what we're able to manufacture."

Microsoft recently claimed that Xbox One pre-orders are "trending higher" than that of Xbox 360 during its respective pre-launch period.

Posted: Aug 07, 2013 8:43 am
Related Forum: PlayStation Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/423067/new-ps4-pre-orders-not-guaranteed-for-launch-day/