Angry retail sources have told MCV that Microsoft title Crackdown was made available through the Argos' check and reserve system in error last Friday, a week before its official release. Although the title was removed from the service on the same day, some 360 owners still managed to purchase the game ahead of its release.

“Argos would like to make it clear that it does not endorse breaking street dates and that we have regularly communicated the street date for Crackdown to all our stores to ensure this product is not sold prior to this date,” a spokesperson told MCV.

“However, on investigation, we have been made aware that there have been a small number of cases where Crackdown has already been sold. This is down to a genuine error and we are currently ensuring that there are no further sales of this product until Friday 23rd February. Crackdown will be made available on the Argos website for reservation or purchase on this date.”

“We will be investigating this further and will take appropriate action as necessary to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future.”