Honestly, though, you could still get a pre-order in for a day-one next-gen console three days after they began. This was three seconds.
Aye, but they are also in far higher numbers of production (and demand conversely, granted).
If Nvidia/AIBs spend as much time getting their production together for the paying customer instead of fostering demand by inundating YouTubers with multiple cards, we'd all be better off, but this launch has just been a classic example of how to get something out before the competitors knowing that structurally the capability is not there.
Doesn't help when retailers are continuing to accept preorders for items which they frankly have no idea when they can deliver - thats certainly one thing that can't be levelled against the console launches in official channels, and mostly its well advertised that there will be delays in other suppliers.
The consumer as well needs a kick up the arse, with the bot usage, the site spamming, the scalping, the multiple orders etc
I'm as anxious as the next person to get my hands on one, but I did go into a purchase expecting a delay so I'm a little bit more relaxed than some folk chasing after the shortest queues, the other vendors etc. But hey, people can do what they like with their money whether thats cancel, hold on or double up somewhere, but we are where we are unfortunately.