Amazon UK begins replacing 'stolen' launch day PS5s

Amazon UK broke a lot of gamers’ hearts in November when people who thought they managed to buy a PlayStation 5 received its box without the actual console. Instead, they got random items like pet food and foot massagers inside the boxes, prompting the company to launch an investigation on how that could’ve happened. Now, PushSquare managing director Anthony Dickens — who received, of all things, a Nerf gun instead of a PS5 — has shared an email from Amazon telling him that the retailer was able to “secure” a replacement console for the one that he didn’t get.

Well done @AmazonUK for “putting it right”. Hopefully it’ll actually arrive this time... #ps5 pic.twitter.com/XllLIy2ocV

— Anthony Dickens (@antdickens) December 2, 2020

As you can see, Amazon is asking Dickens for permission to charge his card again after refunding what he paid for the console. Due to the PS5’s limited stocks, the retailer could only commit to refunds and vouchers people could redeem on the website. That’s probably nowhere near enough to soothe the pain of getting a box of Purina cat food instead of Sony’s new gaming machine after months of anticipation.

A few commenters on Dickens’ Twitter thread, however, said Amazon UK’s CS reps denied that the retailer was able to secure replacement consoles for them. Some had to get their issues escalated and had to ask the company to confirm that they’re getting a PS5 once new stocks arrive before they received a similar email. We asked Amazon UK for confirmation and for pointers on how customers can make sure they’re getting a replacement console, as well.

Update — 12/03/2020 - 7:36am ET: An Amazon spokeperson has confirmed it’s in the process of contacting affected customers to arrange replacements: “We’re all about making our customers happy, and that didn’t happen for a small proportion of these orders. We’re really sorry about that but can confirm we’re reaching out to every customer who’s had a problem and made us aware so we can offer them a replacement. Anyone who has had an issue with any order can contact our customer services team for help.”