Blockbuster refunds PS4 preorder after megaphone protest

Beleaguered UK retailer Blockbuster has refunded a customer £450 (approximately $718) for his PlayStation 4 preorder, but only after he started protesting with a megaphone and placard outside of a local branch.

The troubled retailer, which last week entered administration for the second time this year, had originally offered Adam Sibley £450 worth of Blu-Rays, DVDs, and CDs instead of a cash refund, the BBC reports.

The 31-year-old began his protest outside of the store from 9am, and was refunded the money half an hour later when the store opened. "Blockbuster robbed me of £450 for a PS4 I won't get," read his placard.

"It's a great result," said Sibley. "I was the first customer in the store and my refund was the first transaction so I am very happy with that."

"Who in their right mind is going to spend £450 on Blu-Rays and CDs a month before Christmas, it's unreasonable for them to expect me to do that when I was expecting a console," he added.

In a statement, Blockbuster explained that it was not store policy to give cash refunds for preorders and that customers would need to write to the company's main office.

"We can confirm that Blockbuster Entertainment Ltd will be providing refunds for pre-orders, but local stores will be unable to fulfil such claims," said a company representative.

Sony will launch the PlayStation 4 on November 15 in North America, and November 29 in Europe.