UK retailer Very has cancelled around 1,000 console pre-orders for Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 after scalpers boasted they'd been able to secure the consoles.
Very claimed that the orders were able to be completed due to a "technical error", despite the consoles not being in stock (thanks, VGC).
Read More: PS5 Is Sony's Biggest Console Launch Ever, More Stock Coming "Before The End Of The Year"
Next-Gen Console Orders By Scalpers Cancelled By UK Retailer
While the consoles purchased by scalpers would likely have been sold again for a profit, many genuine pre-orders will likely have been caught up in the mass cancellation.
Very has told Sky News that the consoles will be refunded within ten days.
“As a result of a technical error, some people were able to place orders for PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles for a short time on Sunday,” a statement reads.
“However, these items are not on sale and affected customers have received notice that the orders have been cancelled. We apologise for the confusion caused.”
CrepChiefNotify, a paid service that allows users to bypass online queues, recently boasted that it had amassed 3,500 PS5 consoles to be able to sell on.
The group issued a statement last week which suggested that profits from console sales would help its members make ends meet in light of the ongoing pandemic.
“Lots of our community have been furloughed, made redundant, or at some form of disadvantage due the pandemic,” the statement reads.
“These people have managed to cover their bills, put food on the table and supply Christmas presents to their children.
“It may be unfortunate that a child won’t wake up to a PS5 this Christmas, but another child may have woken up to nothing. We have no regrets.”
Honestly, it just sounds like that part in Jingle All The Way where all the criminal Santas stash toys to sell for a profit.
Sony recently revealed that the PS5 is the company's biggest console launch yet and that more stock is incoming.
"Demand for PS5 is unprecedented, so we wanted to confirm that more PS5 inventory will be coming to retailers before the end of the year - please stay in touch with your local retailers."