Sony is set to launch PlayStation 5 (PS5) in select markets this month, though not in Malaysia. But if you have been checking Instagram lately, you may have come across people on your feed who have managed to nab the next-generation console ahead of next week’s launch.
Before you get jealous about missing out, don’t worry because you have just been pranked by a filter on Instagram by a user going by the handle @aroneverything. To be fair, the filter does look very realistic and convincing. At a glance, it really does look like you’ve just have bought yourself a PS5 console. However, if you look at the box closely you can see some jagged edges along the side of the box.
If you are wondering how Instagram users managed to drop PS5 boxes in their living rooms, just follow these simple steps.
- Follow @aroneverything on Instagram
- Tap on the tab in the middle
- Select the PS5 filter, aptly called “PS5 BOX”, to try it out
- Save the filter and the next time you open the camera inside Instagram to use filter to place PS5 boxes wherever and whenever you please.
The viral Instagram filter has spilled over to local brands who were also eager to ride the social media wave.
Homegrown brand myBurgerLab Malaysia decided to turn things up a notch and cheekily posted a “PS5 giveaway” with multiple PS5 boxes in their Sunway branch. Of course, it was all for good fun, and they decided to “donate” the virtual PS5s to charity instead.
Even the private university Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) joined in on the fun, calling on the “owner” of the console to come down to the reception to collect it. They did, however, acknowledge that the PS5 box was made with an Instagram filter.
Malaysia’s PS5 launch likely delayed
But in all seriousness, let’s get the facts straight here. Sony will be launching the PS5 on 12 November in select markets including the US and Japan. Subsequently, it is set to launch in other markets on 19 November.
To date, Singapore is the only country in the region that has been confirmed to launch the PS5 on 19 November. In case you were wondering, the PS5 Digital Edition costs SGD 599 (~RM1,828) while the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-Ray Disc Drive costs USD 729 (~RM2,197).
Sony opened pre-orders for the PS5 in Singapore on 18 September but pre-orders were all snapped up quickly. This prompted Sony to organise a second pre-order session for the console on 16 October. Right now if you go to Sony’s PS5 website and attempt to order a unit, you will find that both versions of the console are sold out.
However, Sony has not announced any launch date or price for Malaysia. Previously, Sony stated on its Malaysian PS5 website that the console would launch during the 2020 holiday season. The screenshot of the site above was captured on 14 October and it was removed the next day.
Given that Singapore had its pre-orders opened two months ahead of launch, that means even if Malaysia were to start pre-orders next week, it is highly likely that the Malaysian release of the console would only happen in 2021.
Sony sent a statement to Notebookcheck that reads:
We can confirm that the PS5 will also become available in Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam and that we are currently in the process of preparation towards the launch.
SIES will make announcement on MY/TH/PH/ID/VN release dates and pricing when we are ready. Please keep a lookout for our local announcements on PS5 release in respective countries.
We have also reached out to Sony Interactive Entertainment Singapore to ask if there was any confirmed date but unfortunately, there are no additional updates on the launch date.
Even though you can’t buy the console in Malaysia yet, you can pre-order PS5 games online on the PlayStation Store. Based on the games listed, we know that the average PS5 games starts from RM249 and can run up to RM459.
For more information, visit https://www.playstation.com/ps5.
