TORONTO – The console wars are in full swing – with both Microsoft and Sony releasing new game consoles just ahead of the holiday rush. But the question remains, is it even possible to get your hands on an Xbox One or PlayStation 4 before Christmas?
The answer to that question depends on who you ask.
Some stores appear to have Xbox One consoles in stock, while others note they haven’t seen another shipment since its launch last week.
READ MORE: Xbox One: What the critics are saying
A downtown Toronto-based EB Games store said the Xbox One consoles were “very few and far between” and estimated that it wouldn’t see any in stock until the New Year.
But another location said there may still be a chance to get one before Christmas and to try again in mid-December.
Yet two separate Future Shop locations in the GTA did have the Xbox One in stock.
The PlayStation 4 appears to be more elusive.
The same two Future Shop locations we contacted about Xbox One were quick to say they did not have any PlayStation 4s. Both locations said they had stopped offering customers the chance to add their names to a lay-away list due to high demand.
READ MORE: What the critics are saying about PlayStation 4
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However, both store reps seemed hopeful about receiving stock before Christmas – if you have good timing.
“People are basically calling every day to check,” said one employee.
A representative from the Sony store was less optimistic about our Christmas wishes, stating that their next shipment wouldn’t be until January.
In other words – better luck next year.
Global News contacted PlayStation for comment regarding its stock levels in Canada, but did not receive a response at time of publishing.
Similarly, when we called an EB Games location located north of Toronto, a representative laughed when we said we were trying to track down one of the coveted consoles and said, “You and a million other people in the GTA.”
One EB Games location in Toronto estimated it would be about three weeks before they saw stock.
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