The PS5 is back in stock, but getting your hands on one is still a monumental task. Sony India has announced a pre-order window for both the Rs. 49,990 Blu-ray-equipped PS5 and the Rs. 39,990 disc-less PS5 Digital Edition, opening today at 12pm noon. This marks the 20th restock for the standard PS5 and the 14th for the Digital Edition since their launches in February of last year – a testament to the enduring popularity of Sony’s console. But while availability is a huge hurdle to clear, the process of actually securing a pre-order presents its own set of headaches, with various online retailers plagued by technical difficulties and canceled orders. So, can you actually manage to buy a PS5 this time around? Let’s dive into the details and demystify the pre-order process.
The Ongoing PS5 Restock Saga in India
The scarcity of PS5 consoles in India is a story that has been unfolding for well over a year. Despite multiple restocks, Sony’s flagship console remains elusive, with each opportunity to pre-order met with intense demand and frustrating technical challenges. While Microsoft’s Xbox Series X is finding its way into more hands, the persistent struggle to acquire a PS5 speaks volumes about the popularity of Sony’s platform.
Navigating the Pre-Order Maze: A Retailer-by-Retailer Breakdown
While the recent restock signals a positive development, the pre-order process can be a nerve-wracking ordeal for those hoping to secure a PS5. Each retailer offers its own unique set of procedures and challenges.
ShopAtSC (Sony Center)
Sony India’s retail shops, Sony Center, offer their own website for PS5 purchases, known as ShopAtSC. The platform provides free home delivery from the nearest Sony Center or the option to pick up your console from your preferred location starting on October 21st.
For pre-orders, you’ll need an existing ShopAtSC account, and if you’ve previously purchased a PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition, you won’t be able to buy another from the same account. If you’re determined to get your hands on a PS5, the website offers a "Notify Me" button to be alerted when stock becomes available. Shop at SC offers low-cost EMI options on select credit cards, and easy EMI options on most debit and credit cards.
Amazon India
Amazon India is also participating in the PS5 restock, offering free home delivery across the country. You can secure your pre-order without the need for Amazon Prime membership. The pre-order process requires an Amazon account, so creating one in advance can save valuable time during checkout.
Thanks to the ongoing Great Indian Festival sale, Amazon is offering discounts: 10 percent instant discount up to Rs. 1,500 on ICICI Bank credit cards, and Axis Bank and Citi Bank credit and debit cards. Additionally, you can get an additional Rs. 750 discount with a cart value over Rs. 24,999, and Rs. 4,000 for a cart value exceeding Rs. 74,999.
Amazon also offers 5 percent unlimited cashback with the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card, along with no-cost EMI on the same card and easy EMI options on most debit and credit cards.
Vijay Sales
Vijay Sales, a Mumbai-based retailer with a nationwide presence, offers both the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition on its website. Like other retailers, Vijay Sales offers free home delivery for every purchase.
While you don’t need an account to buy a PS5 from Vijay Sales, you’ll be required to provide your mobile number and email address as a guest.
Vijay Sales offers numerous discounts: 7.5 percent instant discount up to Rs. 7,500 on HSBC Bank credit cards for EMI transactions, and 7.5 percent instant discount up to Rs. 3,000 on HDFC and ICICI Bank credit cards for EMI transactions. Additionally, you can get a 7.5 percent instant discount up to Rs. 2,500 on EMI transactions using Kotak Mahindra Bank credit cards, 12 percent instant cashback up to Rs. 2,500 on Slice cards, 10 percent instant discount up to Rs. 2,000 on Yes Bank credit cards, 5 percent instant discount up to Rs. 2,000 on RBL credit cards, 5 percent instant discount up to Rs. 2,000 on EMI transactions using IndusInd Bank credit cards, and 5 percent instant discount up to Rs. 1,500 on EMI transactions with Bank of Baroda credit cards.
The retailer also offers easy EMI options on HDFC Bank debit cards and select credit cards, and the opportunity to earn Rs. 375/ Rs. 300 as part of their MYVS Rewards program.
Flipkart
Walmart-owned Flipkart joins the PS5 restock fray, offering free home delivery across India for both the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition. However, it’s important to note that Flipkart has faced criticism in the past for its handling of both PS5 and Xbox Series X pre-orders, with customers reporting cancelled orders and aggressive customer support tactics.
Pre-orders on Flipkart require an account, so creating one in advance can streamline the checkout process. Flipkart’s ongoing Big Diwali Sale presents opportunities for discounts: 10 percent instant discount up to Rs. 2,000 on EMI transactions with Kotak and SBI credit cards, and up to Rs. 1,750 on non-EMI transactions with the same cards. Additionally, if your cart value reaches Rs. 39,999 or more, you can save an additional Rs. 2,000 with Kotak and SBI credit cards. For cart values exceeding Rs. 79,999, the added savings jump to Rs. 4,000. This potential for significant discounts makes Flipkart a compelling option for savvy shoppers.
Flipkart also provides 5 percent unlimited cashback on Flipkart Axis Bank credit cards and easy EMI options on most debit and credit cards.
Croma
Tata-owned Croma is another retailer offering the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition, with free home delivery across India. However, while Croma stores are open nationwide, PS5 pre-orders are only available through their website.
Croma requires an account for PS5 purchases, so creating one beforehand can expedite the checkout process. The retailer offers easy EMI options on most credit cards, and the option to purchase a one-year extended warranty for Rs. 13,224 and Rs. 10,349 for PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition, respectively.
Reliance Digital
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Digital joins the PS5 pre-order party, offering free home delivery across the country for both PS5 variants. However, it’s crucial to note that Reliance Digital has previously struggled to fulfill PS5 and Xbox Series X pre-orders, even cancelling multiple orders due to overbooking.
Reliance Digital requires an account for PS5 purchases, so creating one beforehand can expedite the checkout process and prevent delays. The retailer offers easy EMI options on credit cards from most major banks.
Game Loot
Game reseller Game Loot joins the PS5 pre-order fray, offering free home delivery across India for both the disc and digital variants.
While an account isn’t mandatory for purchases, you’ll be required to provide an email address and phone number. Game Loot also offers a "Notify Me" option for stock availability alerts. The retailer offers six months of extended warranty for PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition at Rs. 4,799 and Rs. 3,999, respectively.
Games The Shop
Dedicated games store Games The Shop joins the PS5 pre-order fray, offering free home delivery across India. However, if their website manages to stay up and not crash under the weight of demand is a different story altogether.
Games The Shop doesn’t require an account for PS5 purchases, but you’ll need to provide an email address to complete the order. The website also offers a "Notify Me" button for stock availability alerts.
e2z Store (Previously Prepaid Gamer Card)
Bengaluru-based online games store Prepaid Gamer Card, now rebranded as e2z Store, is offering both the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition with free home delivery across India.
Prepaid Gamer Card had a history of bundling practices, requiring customers to purchase additional games and accessories at inflated prices along with their PS5. However, the rebranded e2z Store appears to have abandoned this practice.
For purchases, an account isn’t necessary. However, e2z Store will create one automatically during the checkout process. You’ll need to provide an email address if you don’t already have an account.
Preparing for the Pre-Order Battlefield
Securing a PS5 pre-order in India is often a race against time and technical difficulties. Here are some tips to improve your chances:
- Preparation is key: Create accounts with all participating retailers beforehand to streamline the checkout process.
- Be precise: Have your payment information, shipping address, and contact details readily available.
- Set reminders: Use alarms or calendar notifications to ensure you don’t miss the 12 p.m. launch time.
- Have backup plans: Explore multiple retailers and be prepared to switch strategies if one platform is experiencing technical issues.
- Don’t give up: The pre-order battle is fierce, but with persistence, you can increase your chances of success.
While it may seem like a daunting task, securing a PS5 pre-order is not impossible. Armed with the right information, a touch of patience, and a bit of luck, you can bring home your next-gen gaming console and embark on thrilling adventures in the richly immersive world of PlayStation 5.
