SUP3R5, the third-party developer for the unofficial Retro Black PlayStation 5, will be canceling all orders for the limited edition console because of threats to their safety. This is shortly after the console went on sale for pre-order on January 8, 2021, at 3 p.m. EST. It’s important to note that SUP3R5 has no official association with Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc or Sony Corporation, as indicated on their website. The situation is reminiscent of threats to safety made against the development team of Cyberpunk 2077.
What is the Retro Black PlayStation 5?
Rebecca Smith on PlayStationLifeStyle reported that this unofficial PlayStation console originated from a mock-up created by Reddit user whattheefth in honor of PlayStation’s 30th anniversary. This is despite the fact that the PlayStation’s 30th anniversary will not be until 2024.
The response to the retro-looking version of the PlayStation 5 was so popular that the third party SUP3R5 decided to create the unofficial console themselves and sell it for $649 as well as DualSense controllers at $99 each.
There were only going to be 304 units in reference to PlayStation 2’s 03/04/2000 launch date. Considering 54,000 people were on the waiting list, it would be about as uphill a battle to get these as it currently is to get a PlayStation 5. However, these chances became impossible when SUP3R5 announced that due to credible threats again them, they would be canceling the console and refunding everyone who pre-ordered it.
What were the threats?
The threats reportedly stemmed from the supply and demand issues. Only minutes after pre-orders went on sale, the console sold out. According to Rob Thubron on TECHSPOT, some people were charged for the console but never got any confirmation regarding their order. As a result, the company supposedly received threats from angry customers who either didn’t get a confirmation or who missed out on the console completely.
Publically, the company said: “We take these threats seriously, and as a result, we’re not proceeding forward. All orders are being canceled with full refunds.” They added “We intended this to be a fun way to celebrate a shared nostalgia. As it turns out, there are people out there who are willing to interfere with that. If we determine that it’s safe to try again, we will. For now, please stay safe.” So, there is the possibility that the console will be available in the future. However, since this response, SUP3R5 has deleted their Twitter.
Many Reddit users have been discussing whether this entire console was a scam. Apparently, people who ordered through SUP3R5’s could not delete their credit card information after placing an order for a console. However, it appears people are receiving refunds (through Paypal at least) amidst talks of this being a scam according to this Reddit thread discussing the legitimacy of the company.
Based on the response to this unofficial console, I’d be surprised if Sony didn’t try to snatch this idea up and do a limited release of their own come their real 30th anniversary in 2024. Would you order one if Sony releases an official version? Did you try to order this system through SUP3R5? What has your experience been like? Let us know in the comments below.
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