The new console generation has had a slow start for some since the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020. Even though both the Xbox Series consoles and PS5 are breaking sales records, a remarkable number of would-be owners still cannot get their hands on either device.

The number of social media channels that currently exist to alert consumers of store restocks, and the ensuing flood of triumphant or disappointed responses, demonstrate how scarce the consoles are. When stores do restock, the number available is often limited to just a few and the PS5 or Xbox Series consoles sell out almost immediately, meaning those who don’t manage to check out within minutes or even seconds will miss out.

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It seems some lucky buyers who were able to snag a PS5 during a recent Walmart restock are having their luck doubled. A shortage of stock of the digital version of the console has caused Walmart to upgrade many purchases to the more expensive disc version for no extra charge, a savings of $100.

A Twitter user shared an email they received from Walmart today that said, “The PlayStation 5 is such a hot item we sold more of the exact version you ordered than we had on hand…so we’re sending a PS5 with a disc drive – no extra charge!” The email apologizes for the mix-up, although it’s doubtful many purchasers will feel inconvenienced by the swap.

While some consumers may prefer the digital version of the PS5 for its aesthetics, there’s not much question that the disc version is superior as far as versatility. Besides being able to play Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, the PS5’s disc drive allows people to use both PS4 and PS5 titles, and many gamers likely have at least a few discs on hand.

Both consoles come with an 825 GB SSD hard drive, but only around 670 GB of that storage space can be used because system files occupy the rest. That number might be sufficient for those who also use game discs, but digital-only players might quickly find themselves running short on space and having to purchase an external drive. Most PS5 games require 20 to 50 GB of storage while others, such as some Call of Duty titles, can pass the 100 GB mark.

There are a few potential explanations for why there is an ongoing console shortage. By February, scalpers were estimated to have purchased 10 to 15 percent of available PS5 stock; that number has probably only increased in subsequent months. A second reason is that not enough supply was produced to meet demand. Microsoft has shifted all of its Xbox Series stock and likely won’t replenish it for a few more months. Another reason is a shortage of components like semiconductors that, per Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa, is hampering the production of Switch consoles too.

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