PS5 and Xbox were left stuck in time by the COVID pandemic
TL;DR — THE ACTUAL STORY
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X launched in November 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected their availability and sales. The PS5 is selling similarly to the PS4, while Xbox Series consoles are trailing behind the Xbox One due to various reasons. The launch experience was marked by difficulty in securing orders, stock shortages, and scalpers profiting from the situation.
The headline asks: "How did the COVID pandemic impact the launch and sales of PS5 and Xbox Series X?"
Promise Kept
Manipulative pacing — Answer buried mid-article
Headline promises to answer:
"How did COVID-19 affect the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X?"
Actual answer:
The manufacturing and logistics challenges of the pandemic undoubtedly played a part in this. 'It’s indisputable that component shortages, shipping/logistical shortages, and retail closures harmed the launch of Gen 9 consoles,' says Matthew Ball.
26-75%: Answer buried mid-article
Analysis: Answer appears at ~38% into article.
⚠Why is this clickbait?
The headline uses dramatic language ('left stuck in time') that may exaggerate the impact of the pandemic on the consoles, while the article snippet provides a more straightforward explanation of the context.
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