Actually finding PS5 stock has been hell for many gamers, but the wait may have been worth it for some Walmart customers. Emails shared on Twitter show how a handful of PS5 Digital Edition purchasers were upgraded to the Blu-ray model for free, after the retailer oversold its allocation of the download-only device.
Considering there is a $100 difference between the units, this is a welcome change. Obviously, you can ignore the disc drive on the standard PS5 model if you want to, but having the option to use it doesn’t hurt. The best news is that Walmart has promised that orders will still be delivered “on time”, so it’s not like there’s going to be a delay on new supply.
“We apologise for the mix-up,” the firm said, “but hope you’ll enjoy the upgrade on us.” You never know in 2021, of course, but we can’t imagine there’ll be too many complaints here.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 52
Nice surprise for those lucky people!
Huh. I don't know what to say. Good on 'em.
"But... nooooooo! Why couldn't Wal-Mart just give me a digital one! I don't need a disc drive!! " - Probably somebody in the world
@Just_2_milky I really dislike the look of the disc version, so if someone is already or was planning to be fully digital I can understand if someone doesn't really want the disc version. If you know for certain you will literally never ever use it, then all you'd be getting now is a slightly uglier PS5. I understand the sentiment of your comment, but at the same time I also disagree a little. The few that would be bothered by it would have a justifiable reason to not be completely happy.
I heard in the UK that this week there where going to be some PS5's available to buy but I can't see anything yet?!?! Yeah I got one but I want another one just incase mine dies because I can't live without one really(yep, sad but true)
@XinGViruS I mean it's nice to have the option, and I actually think that the disc drive one looks nicer horizontally.
Ahh yes, the mistake masquerading as an "upgrade".
Not an upgrade if you bought it specifically because you don't want a disc drive.
@HotGoomba Nice to have the option indeed, but like in my case, I know I would never ever use it. I dislike physical, it's less practical and for me personally the price differences don't really matter.
Anyway I wasn't advocating for people to complain, just bringing some nuance that a very small percentage of people not being happy with this solution isn't as crazy as some might make it out to be. I would understand those people.
@XinGViruS there's absolutely no good reason to be upset about getting a version with a disc drive, none at all
@carlos82 So you clearly disregarded every point I made. Good on you, carry on. Please apply more hyperbole in your next reply.
@XinGViruS that's fair.
@Carl-G GAME had a bunch last week, all different bundles too
An upgrade you say? I didn't realise the digital only version is an inferior console... it's not Series S vs Series X. I bought mine on purpose as I'm done with discs. Also, love the symmetry of the digital only version. I imagine I'd be irked if this happened to me. I say this well aware that I'll be laughed at for this, but I don't care.
@XinGViruS exactly why I didn't want a disc one mate
Much better than Amazon's scheme of downgrading your PS5 to a toaster or Nerf gun.
@XinGViruS If this was me. I would have preferred if they gave the option of a waiting list, and only gave the free upgrade to the people who wants it.
@XinGViruS what points? That you think it looks a bit worse. There's just no reason to complain that's all, they get add functionality for free and in what world is that a bad thing?
@The_New_Butler So boring.
@carlos82 Look, I understand if YOU would be fine with it, and I understand MOST people won't be bothered. But I would also understand if SOME people would not be too happy about it. For the explanation of that last sentence, I advise you to re-read my other comments.
@carlos82 Not if that added functionality isn't something you wanted. People do buy products based off looks, and not functionality. So yes, for a lot people this is bad thing.
@XinGViruS I've read them I just don't don't agree that's all, I can see some might prefer the look of the digital console but I wouldn't see that as a good reason to complain about a free upgrade
@Floki a lot of people are pretty strange then
@The_New_Butler Agreed. I finally received my black plates from dbrands. They look soo good. I also got one of their skins to cover the gloss black from getting scratched.
@XinGViruS while I get exactly what you mean, I still sort of find it a bit ridiculous, to be honest. Like the definition of a first world problem. If it were the other way around, I'd get it. But this seems like such a minor issue to complain about, especially to those that have spent countless hours and still can't get a ps5.
@naruball I didn’t say it is a big issue and not a first world problem or any of those things either, I agree with you.
@Floki You’re talking about the minority of the minority. Those people can call and complain then. It’s the easiest thing for everyone involved.
I think the digital looks alot better I dunno why it's only a disc drive but just looks so much better imo so I'd be disappointed if it got upgraded, haven't used a disc since early ps3 days so no benifit for me.
😩 I wish! I wanted to buy a 2nd model that’s a disc model but accidentally bought the digital. Not bad having 2 consoles but would’ve loved to get both versions.
Ha. I knew the comments would be gold and someone would claim “digital looks much better” honestly. People are funny and modern life is rubbish
@mrtennis1990 yup. I have no doubt
@HMazzy111
It's not like you will ever be forced to use that disc drive. It's just something that's there and can be ignored.
Disc version looks a lot uglier, IMHO. As if designers just didn't know where to put the disc drive in the encasement. Hey, I'm by no means a fanboy but speaking of the design vs disc drive the XSX is a good example of how to get it all right. Such replacement would disappoint people who deliberately wanted the disc-less version, and I believe design was one of the main points for those people.
But yes - this is a first world problem.
@Texan_Survivor The Blu-ray and plastic case only cost a few cents to manufacture, so it's not like it would make a noticeable difference if you subtracted it from the digital price. That being said, people often forget that there are also costs attached to hosting an online store as well. Just because it's digital, doesn't mean it [the distribution] is free.
@Octane I think the store's cut is the bigger cost than anything else. I It's $8-12 at Walmart, but I have a picture of the store margin for some games sitting somewhere on my phone. (I work at Walmart so I actually used the scanner to get the store information, so it's first hand info. But again, I'd have to look again to make sure it's accurate.)
If you're literally never going to use the disc drive (myself, and others in these comments) then why would you want an uglier console?
I'm allergic to fish, but the argument here seems to be that if someone dumps a load of salmon in amongst my other food in my online shopping I should be happy because it's free and I can ignore it.
@Jaz007 That wasn't the point raised, but fair enough. Though they can't undercut stores, since they depend on retailers to sell their products. And I'm glad I can still walk into a store and buy a game.
@Porkman85 You're not allergic to a disc drive though... It's not going to hurt you.
To those arguing they would be annoyed … sell the disc version and buy a digital one when available … they’ve essentially given you at least $100 free, if you sell at asking price, more if you fancy scalping. That can go towards a ps5 game with some to spare for a sale. What is wrong with you people.
@The_New_Butler Those do look nice and it's amazing how a small UK company with a 3D printer have been able to beat the combined power of Sony's poxy R&D dept by improving the design..."with small fins to provide improved ventilation and heat resistance."
Gotta love 3rd party tech accessory descriptions.
@Texan_Survivor I mean, yes, of course. And then you're tied to their online store, without having an alternative. No second hand copies, no game sharing, in the end it's more money for them. The 100 bucks they lose on the initial console sale, they will compensate in digital revenue easily.
@Wraggadam This is what I was thinking as well. Just sell it if you prefer the all-digital PS5. Some people aren’t happy unless they’re arguing, it seems.
Imagine finding a reason to say having more optional-options is worse than having less . The only reason that makes sense for someone to legitimately complain about not having the digital version , is if they are a sucker for aesthetics , like me. Any other reason is just petty , i.e. , dumb .
There's technically no drawbacks to having a physical console over digital , like , none. Physical console can do what digital can , and more, if need be. Nothing like seeing a game full-price in the online store , but then having the option to get it physical for way cheaper. Thats a win.
Edit : Oh , and you actually own your physical game too .
@PegasusActual93 I disagree. There's alot of people (thousands if not millions) who will have purchased the digital only because they wanted the smaller/slimmer/better looking for some console and won't be happy to receive anything other than that.
It's just a matter of time before Physical Media disappears altogether so make the most of it while you can. It's no a longer a question of if but when.
@RubyCarbuncle
They should charge less for the games when that happens then. Less overheads for them, so how can they justify a £70 price point for the games?
@Steve30000 Definitely can't argue with that. Never understood the reasoning for charging the same for digital games when you don't even have the additional costs like packaging, putting the game onto a disc, you know stuff like that. The only reason I can think of is greed.
@Octane You still have game sharing with digital games.
@RubyCarbuncle there is another important reason and it's maintaining a decent relationship with retailers. If ps5 games cost significantly less digital, fewer gamers would buy physical games and ps games (and consoles) would take much less space in retail. Even those who work there would heavily promote xb and Nintendo games.
@The_New_Butler I have a Monster Hunter PS4 Pro i like something different. And my PS4 final fantasy version just died... ☹️
I can't believe some in the comments are taking offence at you calling it an upgrade 😂
It's the digital version they ordered but with the added benefit of they now have the option to play discs and they got quite a nice discount too, sounds like an upgrade to me.
@The_New_Butler Never understood why they didnt just release topcovers easy to replace and im sure it would have been a hit.
Happy for them if they don't mind the disc drive. Good on Walmart!
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