Although PlayStation 5 (PS5) has been on the market since the end of 2020 and really exploded at that time. It is rated as one of the best and most premium gaming consoles on the market today. Every time a new PlayStation launches, game lovers go wild and impatient to try out the new features it brings. Even now it is very difficult to find a PS5 at market value, thus creating an opportunity for scammers. So how to distinguish fake PS5 and how to avoid buying fake ps5 will be in this article.
How to distinguish fake PS5?
So how can you distinguish a fake PS5 from the original? There are attributes you can use to differentiate such as differences in size, price, serial number, overall gaming experience and even packaging carton. Most fakes are very good at mimicking the original PS5. Follow the distinctions below.
Check Serial Number
Your PlayStation has two types of codes. Model code and serial number. While the model code is the same on all your models and devices, your serial number is unique. Checking the Serial Code is the best way to determine if a PlayStation is legit. You must speak with PlayStation customer service to accomplish this. You can enquire about them and provide your serial number. They will assist you in verifying its veracity.
Check Packaging
The first place that you should check is the packaging. Counterfeit PS5s are usually packaged in boxes with no branding or inscriptions on them. It was poorly packaged and didn’t have enough protection. You can also check the language on the box and in the manual. If the manual and the box have many typos, chances are high that the PS5 is fake.
Check the Size
When it comes to size, there is a glaring difference in the size of the fake PS5 console compared to the original PS5 console. When placed side by side, you will notice that most fake PS5 consoles are usually smaller in size. Sometimes sellers will introduce that their console is a mini version of the original PS5 console. The original PS5 console measures 15.4 inches tall, 3.6 inches wide, 10.2 inches deep, and weighs 8.6 pounds. Counterfeit PS5 consoles, on the other hand, are generally sized – they can come in a variety of sizes and weights.
Console controller
Another way to spot a fake PS5 console is in its game console. One key thing that may not be present in a fake PS5 gaming keyboard is haptic feedback. Haptic feedback makes gaming more enjoyable and provides a good gaming experience. It’s hard to tell the difference just by looking at a fake and original PS5 gaming table side by side. But when you feel and operate them, you’ll notice the difference between the cheap quality of fake PS5 gaming pads and the premium feel of the original PS5 gaming pads.
Compare the Price
The price of fake PS5 game consoles is very cheap. A fake PS5 mini console can be sold online for around $15 – $30. A larger one can go for $50 or a bit more. Overall, this price is too cheap compared to the price of an original PS5. The original PS5 console costs $499.99 but you can get deals on e-commerce sites or stores that will give you a discount. Even if you get a discount, the price of the original PS5 console will always be higher than the fake.
Check Connection cable
The connection cable of most pseudo-PS5 consoles is a traditional RGB cable. Meanwhile, the original PS5 will come with a standard HDMI 2.1 connection cable. This is a digital cable and has a data transfer rate of 48Gbps compared to analog RGB.
Not the Official Website
Fake sales websites often look sketchy and are not official websites. It’s best not to trust them, even if the offer seems dubiously good, as it can work in its favor.
Use Non-Refundable payment methods
Always be wary of non-refundable forms of payment. When a seller asks you to pay for your PlayStation 5 using a non-refundable method, they are most likely selling fakes. For example, they may ask you to pay through your PayPal friends and family, which doesn’t require any return protection. This is extremely dangerous as it means you don’t have any buyer protections to keep your money safe if your product is not genuine.
Have bad reviews
One of the best ways that you can check a seller’s authenticity is through user reviews. If the seller has scammed others before, they most likely have submitted a review of the experience. This is the best way to know if they are legal or not. It’s best not to trust someone too much, especially if they don’t seem to have any feedback or information on their site.
How to avoid buying a fake PS5 console?
Purchase through a legitimate third-party seller
Check the packaging carefully
Use protected payment methods
Check the goods before paying
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the legitimate 3rd party sellers for PS5 consoles?
The official PlayStation store should be your top pick, but if they’re already sold out you can still check out other options. Even some accredited options, like eBay, may have questionable sellers on their sites. Here is a list of 5 retailers you can trust to buy a PS5: