Leeds man queues from 6.30am on the Headrow to secure PS5 preorder
Ben Joel, 36, took his place outside the GAME store on Thursday morning at 6.30am.
He was the first person in the queue - which later grew to more than 40.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBen praised the store's staff for opening up early to meet the demand from gamers in the city.
He spent £449 to pre order the console which comes out on November 19.
Ben, a mental health practitioner, told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he wanted to support the high street rather than ordering online.
He said: "I'd be fairly confident that I was the first person to queue outside a shop in Leeds and pre order in person.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"I was socially distancing, there were around 40 people queuing as I left the shop [after pre ordering the console].
"I decided to order in the shop because I value the high street and see the importance of supporting businesses during the pandemic.
"The guys at GAME started their day early to make sure the gamers could have their console on day one of launch, giving people a positive experience that is pretty invaluable.
"It was nice to share an experience like that with others, albeit socially distanced, during the pandemic."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSony recently confirmed pricing of the new console which will come in two versions.
A PS5 Digital Edition, which is without a disc drive, will retail at £359, while the main machine will cost £449.
This puts the flagship device directly in competition with Microsoft’s Xbox Series X in terms of pricing – also retailing at £449 – but the PS5 Digital Edition is more expensive than the £249 compact Xbox Series S.
Sony also showcased a number of upcoming titles due to arrive on the PS5, including a new Harry Potter-themed game called Hogwarts Legacy, an open world role player game set in the magical school before the titular wizard’s time in the 1800s.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdGlimpses of familiar franchises including Final Fantasy XVI and Call Of Duty Black Ops Cold War were shown during a live-streamed event, alongside extended footage of previously announced games such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Resident Evil Village.
Ben said he was happy to pay the full cost for the console after saving money during lockdown.
He added: "The cost was £449 but I was happy to pay that because I haven’t spent money on holidays or anything else really this year and gaming is a hobby shared by myself and my partner.
"I think it’s fair to say that gaming has helped us both through lockdown."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdA message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.
Thank you
Laura Collins