PS5 UK launch: game blames PS5 size for delivery delays

The UK’s largest game retailer, Game, blames the size of the PS5 and the number of consoles on the UK market for delivery delays. Sony released their PS5 in the UK and across Europe today, but the launch hasn’t been easy for all of the game’s customers.

“Due to the volume of the PlayStation 5 in the UK market and the size of the product, the launch has caused delivery challenges across the UK for all retailers and couriers,” Game says in a statement to affected customers. Game blames its delivery partner, Yodel, for having capacity issues in its delivery network.

The PS5 is the largest gaming console in modern history, and the console package isn’t small, either. While Game blamed Yodel, the delivery company responded and claimed there are no delays within its network. “We have been consistently clear about the order volumes we can bring to them and it is deeply disappointing that Yodel’s name was misused in an email to customers regarding order status,” a Yodel spokesperson said in a statement to the BBC. It’s unclear how many game orders are affected, but the company claims most will be delivered today.

Elsewhere, it has been difficult to buy a PS5 in the UK today. Many parts of the UK are on lockdown, with England in a national lockdown where non-essential retail stores are only open for online order picking. Game, Amazon, Currys and John Lewis struggled to stay in line as thousands of buyers tried to buy shares on launch day.

We struggled to buy the PS5 and Xbox Series X last week when the consoles launched in the US, and the delay in the PS5’s European launch hasn’t fared much better. The situation may not improve in months either. Microsoft has already warned that the Xbox Series X will be in short supply until April or beyond.