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UK video game retailers across the UK are working out how to sell the next-gen Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles following the news that England is to head into a nationwide lockdown from Thursday due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.
Due to the ruling, announced over the weekend by the UK government, most non-essential retail businesses will be forced to close their doors for four weeks until Wednesday December 2, which includes most video game retail outlets. Shops will still be able to offer a click and collect service as well as home delivery, meaning online pre-orders should still be safe, but it may be trickier to get hold of a console on launch day otherwise.
As spotted by Eurogamer, Game are tweeting to encourage anyone who has already pre-ordered in store to return to their local store and pre-purchase their console between now and Wednesday evening, when customers should be able to collect their console on launch day between 8am and 2pm. Those intending to purchase via Xbox All Access scheme will be contacted directly, the company has said.
Please note this is for customers that already have an in-store pre-order/deposit for Xbox Series S/X
— GAME.co.uk (@GAMEdigital) November 1, 2020
Smyths Toys meanwhile are letting their customers know that their pre-orders are safe and should be still available for collection on release day, though they should wait for their “ready for collection” email before they head to the store to pick up their consoles, however payment will be taken using card only as cash payments will not be accepted. They’re also intending to announce more information very soon, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their social channels for more.
Hi there, payment will be taken upon collection. Instore pre-orders will have to pay the balance using card only, there will be no cash transactions during the lockdown period! 🙂
— @AskSmythsToys (@AskSmythsToys) November 1, 2020
It appears to be largely the same story at Argos, with the company’s support Twitter accounts also indicating that you’ll be able to pick up your pre-orders at Argos stores or at collection points at your local Sainsbury’s supermarket.
Hi Timothy. Just like the lockdown in March, customers in England will still be able to get Argos and Habitat products delivered to their homes and pick up products at Argos stores and collection points inside Sainsbury’s. Thanks – James
— Argos Helpers (@ArgosHelpers) November 2, 2020
At the moment, it’s understandably difficult for any of the retailers to say whether they’ll end up with any other consoles to sell on launch day, so the message seems to be: if you’ve not already got your pre-order down, it’s worth keeping an eye on your retailer of choice’s social media platforms for more information, or play it safe and order online with home delivery if you can.
If you are still after a next-gen console, best of luck and stay safe out there. Xbox Series X|S is set to launch on November 10 while the PlayStation 5 is scheduled for release on November 19 in the UK.
