Sony’s PlayStation 4, as some may agree, clearly has an upper hand over its near rival Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox One console, which didn’t really enjoy the best if starts with controversies surrounding the DRM policies binding the console. However, it seems like Sony has taken a step forward as opposed to Microsoft by claiming that the company can no longer guarantee that fans will get the PS4 on launch even though they have already pre-ordered the device.
The above directive has also been sent to number of UK retailers including Amazon and ShopTo, with ShopTo also becoming the first to display the message: “Please note that Sony have confirmed all Playstation 4 pre-orders placed from 6th August will now not be guaranteed for launch. You can still pre-order PS4 with us in case we receive cancellations and can fulfill your order for launch.”
The retailer also went on to confirm with Eurogamer that the following order came directly from Sony and is also applicable for any European retailer. As such, ShopTo was not alone in confirming Sony’s newest directive related to the next generation PlayStation 4 console.
"Please note - due to high demand, orders placed for the PlayStation 4 console from 6th August may be received after release date. We will ship orders as soon as we receive sufficient inventory," Amazon wrote.
As of now, UK-based fans, similar to ones in the United States, have yet to receive any official confirmation related to an official release date for the console. The new information from UK is also in tune with previous reports claiming that the U.S.-based retailer GameStop has stopped accepting pre-orders for Sony's next generation PlayStation 4 console.
"Due to high demand for the system, GameStop is not currently taking additional store reservations for the PlayStation 4," a GameStop spokesperson previously told GameInformer. Moreover, a statement on the retailer's online store was also put up, notifying customers that it has sold out of the next-generation console and is offering a pre-order information mailing list for those still interested to order.
And even before all that, Robert W. Baird analyst Colin Sebastian had already discussed the probability of next generation units running out, where he stated that both Microsoft and Sony will run into trouble during launch with shortage in units for the Xbox One and PS4.
Both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are currently expected to arrive later this year.
