PS5 Early Access Pre-Orders Truly Are Getting Out of Hand
Sony’s latest PlayStation 5 pre-order incentive is drawing criticism for its exclusionary practices. Control Resonant, the sequel to a popular action title, was announced at PlayStation State of Play with a 24 September 2026 launch date. The game will be available in both standard and Digital Deluxe editions, with the latter offering 48 hours of early access, granting players access from 22 September.
What makes this offer controversial is that the early access bonus is exclusive to PlayStation 5—it has not been offered for either the PC or Xbox Series X|S versions of the game. This effectively makes Control Resonant a PS5 console exclusive for two days, a distinction driven purely by pre-order marketing incentives rather than genuine platform exclusivity at launch.
The practice reflects what some observers view as an increasingly excessive approach to pre-order benefits on PlayStation. While early access promotions have become standard industry practice, the platform-specific nature of this incentive sets a new precedent. Rather than offering the bonus across all versions of the game, the approach limits it solely to the PS5, creating an artificial exclusivity window for pre-order customers.
Push Square has repeatedly criticized these pre-order incentive structures, and this instance exemplifies their concerns about how such practices are becoming increasingly layered and platform-fragmented. The approach raises questions about fair competition and consumer expectations across different gaming platforms.