Are UK Retailers Forcing Bundle Upgrades To Guarantee Launch Day Pre-orders?

OK I’ll admit that the title sounds a little sensational, but there are reports cropping up online today that it is indeed happening! Retailer SimplyGames have been sending out emails stating that to get a launch day console, you need to upgrade to a pre-packed bundle.

Now this isn’t a retail made bundle, this is a from the factory Sony bundle, all in one box type thing. Worst of all these are in many cases WORSE value for money than previous store bundles, with some approaching £500, a tall order from the stock £349 that the console only units.

I personally have ordered just the console, no games, if someone told me I need to buy a bundle with games to get it on release day I’ll be telling them to stick it up their butt.

While you might think that SimplyGames are being cheeky, this isn’t a contained instance and users have taken to the PlayStation forums to voice their concerns, but it looks like Sony might not be shipping as many console only boxes as they are bundled deals.

Lets take a quick look at the email that has been sent to pre-order customers of SimplyGames.

“Thanks for bearing with us with whilst we finalised stock configurations with Sony. We have now completed this process and as mentioned last week the pack configurations that we will actually be receiving DO differ slightly from the selection you originally made.

 For this reason – WE NEED YOU to update your order Ref ’484***’

Important Notes:

1. This ONLY affects the console/pack choice within your order. Other products within your order are not affected;

2. You WILL receive your order on the day of release;

3. You MUST make a new console choice (follow the link below);

4. You can now INCREASE the number of consoles on your order – and ALL will arrive on day of release!!! That’s guaranteed;

Please click the link below and follow the simple on-screen instructions. Once your selections have been made, click the big ‘Update My Order’ button at the bottom of page. This will finalise your order and no other action is necessary.

Please click here to update your Playstation 4 console

Thanks again for your order and for your patience.

The SimplyGames Team”

Unfortunately this is all the information we have on this one, but it may be worth getting on the phone and checking the status of your own pre-order, bundle or deal from your retailer, voice your concerns and avoid getting stung on launch day.

Thank you Pixelenemy for providing us with this information.