Argos has begun canceling preorders for the highly anticipated PS5 Slim Digital 30th Anniversary Edition. Citing an inability to fulfil orders, the UK retailer is automatically refunding customers. This has left many disappointed, especially after securing their orders during the brief preorder window.
Preorders for the PS1-themed console, priced at £429.99 (roughly R9,805 at current rates), went live on October 10 and sold out swiftly. Just days later, customers received emails or text notifications from Argos informing them of the cancellations. This move has triggered confusion among buyers, many of whom are now seeking answers from the company’s customer service.
Mixed Responses from Argos
Customer experiences with Argos have been varied. Some support representatives have told affected customers that the cancellation notices were sent in error, while others have confirmed the cancellations are legitimate. This mixed messaging has only added to the uncertainty and frustration for buyers, unsure whether they will eventually receive their limited edition consoles.
This isn’t the first hiccup surrounding the release of the PS5 30th Anniversary Edition. Preorders for the console, which commemorates the iconic original PlayStation design, had already caused chaos. Shoppers reported that the limited bundles sold out almost instantly after going live on PlayStation Direct UK just weeks earlier, leaving many empty-handed despite long wait times in online queues.
Scalping Concerns
Following the preorder rush, listings for the PS5 30th Anniversary Edition started to appear on resale platforms like eBay. Some sellers, particularly those offering the PS5 Pro bundle, were asking for astronomical prices, with some listings reaching up to £10,000 (around R227,979). While the current Argos cancellations concern the PS5 Slim Digital Edition, the demand for both versions has remained high, fuelling a similar scalper market.
Customer Reactions to the Cancellations
Many frustrated customers have taken to social media to voice their displeasure. Twitter/X user @Natty301288 expressed outrage, tweeting: “@ArgosHelpers is this a joke preorder made last Thursday confirmation received now can’t get this elsewhere”. Another user, @Malik_Zain7, shared a similar sentiment, saying: “@Argos_Online this some kind of joke??? After taking payment for a limited edition console and also sending me a confirmation email, you’re now saying it’s cancelled?”
The cancellation of these preorders has added further frustration to what was already a challenging process for PS5 fans. The demand for PlayStation consoles, especially limited editions, continues to outstrip supply, leaving many gamers feeling let down by major retailers.
What’s Next?
The exact reason for Argos’ cancellations is unclear, though it is speculated that overselling of stock may be to blame. Argos and its parent company, Sainsbury’s, have yet to provide an official explanation for the issue. IGN has reached out to them for comment and clarification.
In the meantime, buyers are encouraged to keep an eye on updates from trusted sources. IGN’s deals team, for example, is monitoring the situation closely and sharing any developments on Twitter/X via @IGNUKDeals.
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