Video game retailer GameStop will be allowing people an easier chance at getting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, but it'll come at a cost. GameStop is the first third-party retailer to make any kind of significant move to address the ongoing shortages of PS5 and Xbox consoles, but it may not be the move consumers desire.
There's been a lot of frustration over console shortages since last year, as necessary parts are in limited supply and whenever they do go up for sale, they're snagged by scalpers. Sony doesn't expect the PlayStation 5 to be readily available until mid-2022 at this point, which has left many gamers aggravated since retailers aren't making it very easy to actually buy up their limited supply. Now, GameStop is offering a solution to the issue.
GameStop announced via Instagram ad it would be offering "early access" to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X orders to PowerUp Rewards Pro members. The membership has been a long-running service that GameStop has used to reward loyal consumers with discounts, goodies, and more, all for the cost of $20 a year. It's unclear how this new addition to the service will work or how early users will get access to this deal, but more details can probably be expected soon.
This will no doubt help GameStop's radical e-commerce transformation, especially as it's the only retailer taking any action against this issue. Although some people may not want to pay an extra $20 for a PlayStation 5, it's probably going to be much better than refreshing a web page only for it to sell out before the item can be added to the cart. There are still probably going to be limitations with this new addition, but it may limit how many scalpers get their hands on the consoles given they'll have to bypass a paywall if they want to be first in line.
There are still going to be a lot of sold out PlayStation 5 consoles, but hopefully, this will at least make the situation somewhat better for consumers. It's likely this will also be hugely helpful to the GameStop stock, as the company is looking for an ounce of positive news it can get. Not only will this probably dramatically increase subscription sales, but also potentially position the company as one of the best places to get one of the new consoles. Only time will tell how successful this will be, as it could just be another disaster, but it's a step in the right direction for GameStop.
Source: GameStop/Instagram