Lots and lots of people have been, or attempting to, order next generation consoles. Be it the PS5 disc or digital version, the Xbox Series X, or the Xbox Series S, there has been plenty of interest. Various retailers have been selling out of consoles as people look for stock and get a confirmed order. Some of those who have pre-ordered would have gone to the UK’s most well known gaming retailer GAME in search of stock. What was not expected was for GAME to start charging a £9.99 delivery charge on next gen console pre-orders.
Anyone who ordered a PS5 last week from GAME will not be charged, but anyone who ordered an Xbox Series X|S today will get the £10 on top. Any future orders of PS5s, Xbox Series X|S, or Oculus Quest 2 from GAME will have that charge too. Eurogamer has been trying to get a comment from GAME, but the company has yet to offer any answers as to why this charge is being levied when other retailers are offering free delivery on all pre-orders for the next generation of consoles.
According to Eurogamer’s sources the decision for the delivery fee has come from GAME’s parent company Fraser Group, though that is yet to be confirmed. Currently, retailers are waiting for more PS5 pre-orders and Sony apologised for how the pre-orders were handled. Today, Xbox Series X|S pre-orders went live and you can see the current state of availability of Microsoft’s console in the UK and North America.
Source: Eurogamer
camdaz
I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s come right from the top, from Mike Ashley himself, if he runs his other businesses like he runs Newcastle United, as a massive cash cow!
It may make them some extra income from the launches but it could put off a lot of folk from buying from them in the future.
Dominic L
It’s not much of a surprise given what state the bricks and mortar shops are probably in. I guess they’re counting on the fact they’ve already got all of the PS5, XSX and Quest 2 pre-orders in now so they’re not going to lose out anytime soon.
ico
While I’m FAR from a fan of Mike Ashley or Game I do feel as long as Game are informing customers of the price BEFORE they pre order / purchase then it’s up to consumer to make an informed decision. Don’t like it? Don’t buy from Game. Simple really and next gen console is a luxury not a necessity. Just my opinion mind you.