Sony has just launched the PlayStation Direct online store in the UK, shortly following its release in Germany just a few days prior. Launching just ahead of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals period, the PlayStation Direct website could potentially make it easier for consumers to buy a PS5... is what we would have said if the stock for Sony's crown jewel hadn't already sold out completely.
As reported by VGC, the official PlayStation Germany Twitter account put out a tweet announcing PlayStation Direct's launch in the country, with the "UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg will follow shortly." The tweet was shortly followed by one from PlayStation UK.
PlayStation Direct's addition to European countries follows a successful launch period for the service in the US, of which Sony Interactive Entertainment president and CEO Jim Ryan said had "achieved significant revenue in the US market within little more than a year of starting operations."
The https://t.co/T8YqRO2zB8 store launches today in the UK!Take a look at our new online store that provides hardware, accessories, games and more for you to choose from. pic.twitter.com/Ht0YnKRpYSNovember 10, 2021
The launch of PlayStation Direct in the UK lines up with a recent report that Sony had been airlifting PS5s into the country to help keep up with holiday demand. Unfortunately, stock for both the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition have already sold out. Hopefully Sony will continue to inject PS5 stock to the website as we edge closer to Black Friday and the Holiday period.
At least it's not just PS5 consoles potentially up for grabs on the PlayStation Direct online store, as listings also exist for DualSense wireless controllers, Pulse 3D wireless headsets and a number of games including Death Stranding: Director's Cut and Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut.
Analysis: Will PlayStation Direct really make it easier to buy a PS5?
You'd like to think that more PS5 stock flying into Europe and the UK, alongside the launch of an official PlayStation online outlet would make PS5 consoles more readily available, and as we've just seen that was only true for a lucky, select few.
Demand remains astronomically high for the elusive console, as evidenced by PS5 consoles already selling out on the PlayStation Direct website. which is most definitely going to increase as we get closer to the Black Friday sales period.
PlayStation Direct, so far, hasn't seemed to make much of a dent when it comes to granting more consumers a chance to get PS5s into their homes, and the ongoing chip shortage clearly remains a thorn in Sony's side.
PlayStation Direct isn't the guarantee that you'll be able to nab yourself a PS5 and avoid the Black Friday rush, then, but we're happy that customers at least have another outlet - an official one, no less - to try their chances. And even though the site is fresh out of stock what feels likes mere moments after launch, we're hoping Sony periodically supplies the site with PS5 stock throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond.
Unfortunately, we're not expecting any significant Black Friday PS5 deals as a result of the continued scarcity. However, if you're lucky enough to already own the console, it'll be well worth keeping an eye out for accessories that are more likely to be discounted, such as these PS5 SSD Black Friday deals or Black Friday PS Plus deals to add even more storage to your console at a lower price.
