A CRACKDOWN on PS5 scalpers is coming – to the delight of gamers everywhere.
The UK Government has responded to a “scalping” petition vowing further action against the rogue resellers.
Since it launched in November, Sony’s new PlayStation 5 has been out of stock everywhere.
Part of the problem has been scalpers, who use automated “bots” to buy up huge numbers of consoles – only to resell them for profit.
A petition asking the Government to “prevent or deter” this practice has racked up over 17,000 signatures online.
“I believe it to be an unfair and unjust practice that well-funded groups/individuals can deplete the stock of a single item,” the petition reads.
“And make it unaffordable/unavailable to the average consumer.
“I believe the law around this practice needs to be reviewed and measure to prevent it need to be introduced.”
The petition has been so successful that it’s even garnered a Government response.
According to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, action is on the way.
“Using automated software to buy more tickets than allowed by the retailer is probated, with unlimited fines for breaches,” it said.
“Government is discussing other markets with relevant trade associations.”
It went on: “We are discussing the issue of bulk purchasing of high-demand items like graphics cards and games consoles through automated bots with trade associations such as Ukie, the trade association for the video games industry.
“We understand they are currently examine further actions they can take to prevent these behaviours.
“And [they] are working with their retailers to improve experiences for customers purchasing their products.”
The PS5 has been out for around four months – but they’re fiendishly difficult to get a hold of.
Resellers were peddling the console for thousands of pounds in the days after launch.
And even months later, the PS5 is still in such high demand that people are selling the console for £1,000 on eBay.
Sony launched the PS5 in mid November, charging £350 for the digital version and £450 for the full-fat console with a disc tray.
Ever since, stock has vanished in a matter of minutes – and even seconds.
Many gamers were left without a console for Christmas, due to high demand and a widespread scalping issue.
Sony has promised more stock in 2021.
And insiders have revealed that some of the delays are linked to shortages of the chips that power the consoles.
It’s expected that these shortages will be over by June or July.
Sony launched two versions of the PlayStation 5 in the US on November 12, and in the UK on November 19.
The full PS5 costs £449/$499, while a Digital Edition without a disc tray is priced at £359/$399.
They’re up against the Xbox Series X (£449) and Xbox Series S (£249), which hit shelves worldwide November 10.
All four consoles have been sold out around the world, with stock seesawing in and out of availability over the past few weeks.
The PS5 launched with major exclusive games like Spider-Man Miles Morales and a revamped version of Dark Souls for players to enjoy.
Xbox gamers, on the other hand, have a new Halo title to look forward to later this year.
PlayStation boss Jim Ryan recently offered hope to gamers who wanted a console.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Ryan admitted that stock levels would climb steadily month-on-month.
He added that from July onwards, it will be much easier to get a PS5.
“It will get better every month throughout 2021,” Ryan explained.
“The pace of the improvement in the supply chain will gather through the course of the year.
“So by the time we get to the second half of [2021], you’re going to be seeing really decent numbers indeed.”
In other news, Trending In The News’s favourite alternative to a games console is the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
Grab a VR headset and you’ll be able to play the legendary Beat Saber – like Guitar Hero, but with lightsabers.
And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.
