A line of special black PlayStation 5 consoles is now canceled, with most buyers receiving full refunds via PayPal, after retailer SUP3R5 received "credible threats," according to TechRadar.
"Last night, our team began receiving credible threats to their safety," SUP3R5 tweeted before deactivating its Twitter account. "We take these threats seriously. We aren't willing to risk the safety and well-being of our team, or the potential impact this would bring on your order."
SUP3R5 did not elaborate on said threats, or why they were enough to force a cancellation.
"All existing orders will be cancelled and fully refunded in the coming days," SUP3R5 continued. "We intended this to be a fun way to celebrate a shared nostalgia. As it turns out, there are people out there who are willing to interfere with that."
As stated, some users have begun receiving full refunds, while others are still waiting. A few are looking to delete their payment information from the SUP3R5 website, but are unable to do so.
SUP3R5 was attempting to fill a niche. Some PlayStation 5 owners lamented Sony's color choice when the system first debuted. After a line of black consoles, Sony decided to shift to white. Buyers bemoaned the fact that there wasn't a black alternative to "match" the other consoles in their collection.
SUP3R5 saw an opening in the market for a classic black PlayStation 5 with coloring like the PlayStation 2. The "Retro Inspired PlayStation 5 Console" went up for pre-order for about $649, limited to 304 units. The drop sold out quickly, with a projected spring release.
The buying process itself was fraught with issues, though. Stock issues prevented buyers from locking their systems in. Others received no confirmation their purchases went through. Jilted buyers still report issues as SUP3R5 appears to be diminishing its online presence.
It's unclear if this particular line will return, or if SUP3R5 is finished with the PS5 for good. "If we determine that it's safe to try again, we will," SUP3R5 wrote in a now-deleted statement. The company has not responded to requests for comment.