> GET PLAYSTATION 5

There are no “Playstation 5” at this location.

> LOOK

You see shelves containing all manner of gaming and geek culture paraphernalia. Magic the Gathering, Pokemon and other card games line the back wall. The main wall is separated by a great divide of colour. Black and green on one side with blue and white on the other. The blue and white shelves stand out as being all but barren.

A staff member lingers behind the counter.

> ASK STAFF ABOUT PLAYSTATION 5

The staff member looks up as you approach, poorly hiding his disinterest in being here. Upon hearing your question, he laughs before realising you were serious.

“There are none in stock. Here, or anywhere.”

> ASK ABOUT PREORDER

I don’t understand who you want to ask about “preorder”.

> ASK STAFF ABOUT PREORDER

“What would you like to preorder?” the staff member queries.

> ASK STAFF ABOUT PREORDER PLAYSTATION 5

“Sorry, we’re not taking preorders at this stage. We don’t know when any more shipments will be available and already have too many waiting.”

> QUIT

Are you sure? Y/n: __

…

> N

> WAIT

Time passes. You’re unsure how much time, but it feels like aeons. Certainly, the seasons have changed in the world outside.

> LOOK AT SHELVES

Which shelves do you want to look at?

> LOOK AT BLUE AND WHITE SHELVES

You see a sign that reads ‘PLAYSTATION 5’ spread prominently over the shelving area. There are game boxes here covering a small portion of these shelves, however, the rest lie bare.

There is a small note on white paper visible here.

> READ SMALL NOTE

In rather plain, black type, the note reads, “Playstation 5 preorders are now available again. Talk to staff for details.”

That was only a month or so ago! I was told to expect delivery of the shipment with mine in it in September but warned it could be later still.

Earlier today I received a call from an unknown number. These occasionally come through from work, so I answered it. My Playstation 5 was available to pick up! And even better, given I was in town (and in fact, in a meeting, hah) it was late night at the mall.

So! After work, I went and picked up…

I’ll open and set it up this weekend. It does throw into question my whole ‘plan’ from yesterday somewhat… I really should have factored this into my thinking… I want to say ‘a little more’, but the truth would be ‘at all’.

But it may not be as disruptive as one might think. For me, there is still no killer ‘must play’ games available for it. Despite the dramatisation of the pre-order process above, the truth of the matter is I’d occasionally been looking online at what the situation was. On the one time I actually went into a store (before today) I needed to be in the mall anyway, and my path crossed with the store, so I figured, ‘Why not? I’ll ask’.

Culminating in today.

I’m pretty keen to try the PS5 update of Ghost of Tsushima.

Also might revisit Final Fantasy VII Remake with the Yuffie content added in.

I also still haven’t tried any version of the Spiderman games…

…

Alright, this might be a problem.

(Not that it will stop me from taking recommendations though. Hah. ;))

This was posted during Blaugust 2021, the annual blogging event hosted by Belghast. Blaugust is an event aiming to welcome new blogger blood into the fold and revitalise those who’ve been at it a little longer.

The Blaugust Discord is still available to join in, year-round!