The PlayStation 5 will only be available online at launch

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The next generation of consoles is almost upon us, and with the PlayStation 5 set to launch next week on November 12 (in some markets), Sony has decided to warn its fans about lining up at stores on launch day. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic that hasn't subsided yet, the company has made clear that retailers won't be selling any units of the PlayStation 5 in stores on launch day.
 
If you're planning to get the PlayStation 5 on the day it launches, you'll need to place your pre-orders online. You can still pick up you pre-ordered units at the store, using the designated pickup areas set by each retailer so as to keep customers safe. While the console is launching on different days depending on where you live - some markets will get it on November 12, others on November 19 - this measure will apply to all regions.
 
What Sony didn't clarify is when you can expect to start seeing consoles on store shelves. Presumably, giving out a date would just encourage people to line up on said date anyway.
 
Sony isn't the only one launching a console next week, and the Xbox Series X|S will actually be available a little earlier on November 10. Reviews are starting to come in for Microsoft's consoles, and you can read our own review of the Series X here.

Source: https://www.neowin.net/news/the-playstat...-at-launch