TOKYO: Sony Corp's PlayStation 5 (PS5) console launched in core markets on Thursday to intense interest online, but with first day real-world sales limited to pre-order pick-ups due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has driven a boom in gaming demand.Sony has made launch sales online only to maintain social distancing, calling for consumers to "be safe, stay home, and place your order online".The next-generation console, which retails for $500 or $400 without a disk-drive, was sold out on major retailing sites in Japan and the U.S.
with some conducting lotteries to distribute limited stock.On Japan's top flea market platform from Mercari Inc, consoles were selling for more than $900.Major U.S.