Reflections on the limited PS5 pre-orders

The last year has been one of silicon shortages as the world has struggled to meet demand for a plethora of devices ranging from phones, and cars to computers. As new chips have failed to reach optimal production numbers, game consoles have met the same fate as both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X have struggled to meet the demands of a steadily growing fanbase.

The PS5 is in great demand as its predecessor the PS4 had a commanding share of the Indian consoles market. The last six months has seen careful documentation of the PS5’s problems with launch, availability, and information in the country. However, this changed on the May 14th as news of availability of limited pre-orders on the May 17 at 12 pm emerged. To experience the rollout firsthand, I decided to try and buy a PS5. I now share my experience with you.

The PS5 was available on eight e-commerce platforms namely; Amazon, Flipkart, ShopatSC, Gamestheshop, Prepaidgamercard, Vijay Sales, Reliance Digital and Croma. It was pertinent to act fast because I would be competing against some of the country’s fastest clickers and decision makers (gamers in general). The details of the process as to how I “trained” to get a PS5.

Phase 1: Pre-launch preparation – May 14

Narrowing the scope – 5 PM: It would be impossible to visit all 8 store-fronts in the few minutes that the sale would last, the last sale lasted five minutes. So I narrowed down to four stores, Amazon as it saved payment details, ShopatSC – most numbers and the exclusive digital edition, Gamestheshop and Prepaidgamercard.

Optimizing flow – 7 PM: Having narrowed down, I decided to streamline, wanting the entire transaction to complete under 30 seconds and needed to open the websites as quickly as possible. Created accounts, saved address information, and the urls to tabs for faster access and with practice, I was able to open all four webpages in under 10 seconds.

Phase 2: Launch Day – May 17

Improvements – 9.30 AM: The tabs were too slow and to speed-up further used the highlights feed on my browser. The time was now under 7 seconds.

Jitters – 11.55 AM: A pre-launch test, I open tabs to realise neither gamestheshop nor prepaid gamercard were operational. Two of the four websites were down!

Clicking away in despair – 12 PM: Two websites down and shuttling between Amazon and ShopatSC, shows no availability. ShopatSC leggily takes to the cart but the payment tab is stuck!!!

12.02 PM: The cart is ready but the payment won’t work! No stock at Amazon yet; 12.03 the payment fails to work; 12.04 no payment yet!!!; 12.05 ShopatSC is out of stock but my payment??? 12.05 – dejected, frustrated as I refresh Amazon.

12.06 – Suddenly, Amazon shows add to cart! Quickly add as adrenaline courses everything aligns as I conclude the transaction in 22 seconds. 12.07 – Amazon is out of stock. 12.09 – Order confirmation e-mail.

As I celebrated, I couldn’t help but wonder at the way the rollout was handled. Despite the “rigorous training,” it was luck that allowed me to by one. Reports talk about how Flipkart sold their devices pre-noon and orders being canceled after payment. With more pre-orders looming I hope this experience helps players wishing to buy one, remember though if you fail it is not worth stressing over. A PS5 doesn’t define if you are a gamer.

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