In a whirlwind launch on November 15, Sony's latest innovation, the PlayStation Portal, has vanished from store shelves in both the UK and the US, leaving eager gamers scrambling to secure one.
However, the rush of the release has been marred by an alarming surge in scalping activity, as opportunistic resellers flood online marketplaces with inflated prices, reaching an astonishing £300 for a device that retails at £199 (via Eurogamer).
The situation has raised eyebrows and questions about the supply chain, with suspicions that scalpers might have hoarded a significant portion of the available stock.
US, UK Stores Hit with PlayStation Portal Scalpers
GamesIndustry.biz tells us that on eBay, listings for the PlayStation Portal abound, offering the device at exorbitant rates. The impact of this scalping frenzy is evident on the official PlayStation Direct stores, where both the UK and US outlets currently display the disheartening message that the PlayStation Portal is "currently unavailable."
To add to the frustration, the UK store urges hopeful customers to "check back for more information" on November 22, while their American stores are left waiting until "early December" for a glimmer of hope regarding restocking details.
The uncertainty surrounding the restocking timeline intensifies the challenge for eager gamers, leaving many wondering whether this sudden sellout is due to unprecedented demand, insufficient supply, or the dubious tactics of scalpers.
Read Also: Xbox Official Black Friday Deals: Up to 65% Off Digital Games, $50 Off Xbox Consoles, and More!
What the Reviews Say
Reviews of the PlayStation Portal have emerged, offering a glimpse into the device's reception. While the hardware has garnered praise for its quality, the overall appeal seems divisive.
Initial impressions emphasize that the PlayStation Portal is not a handheld console; instead, it serves as a peripheral, allowing gamers to stream titles from their PS5 consoles without needing a TV screen. The caveat, however, is a strong home internet connection requirement for optimal performance.
A Closer Look at Specs
The PlayStation Portal, equipped with an 8" LCD screen capable of 1080p resolution at 60fps, promised to revolutionize gaming experiences by providing an alternative to traditional TV setups.
The incorporation of DualSense Wireless Controller features aimed to deliver an immersive gaming encounter through haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in supported games.
Despite the sellout and the challenges scalpers pose, in its latest financial report, Sony remains hopeful that the PlayStation Portal and the anticipated PS5 Slim model will drive robust sales during the festive season.
In Other News
As the gaming community awaits Sony's 2024 lineup, exciting leaks have surfaced, hinting at what could be an epic year for PlayStation 5 owners - but it's a rather short list, to say the least.
According to reputable industry source Shinobi602, the gaming giant has big plans, with two powerhouse titles in the works: "Death Stranding 2" and "Rise of the Ronin."
Related Article: PlayStation Portal Officially Launches with Limited Availability
