Once again, the most in-demand gaming console this holiday season is the Sony PlayStation 5—but unfortunately, due to that high demand, it’s also very difficult to find in stock. Popular retailers have been restocking sporadically, but the inventory is limited and tends to sell out in minutes. As a result, to get the console on everyone’s wishlists, you’re going to need to be nimble and persistent. Read on for details.
Without paying a premium, the suggested retail price for the Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console is $400, and the PlayStation 5 Console (Disk Version) is $500. However, if you have your heart set on scoring one of these consoles before Christmas, you might be forced to pay said premium. In any event, here’s where and how you can find one of the devices right now:
PS5 In Stock: How To Buy The Console On Amazon
Surf over to Amazon, and you’ll discover multiple listing for the PlayStation 5. The problem: They’re typically sold out. But see below for information on adding your name to Amazon’s Invitation List—if you’re lucky, you’ll receive an opportunity to purchase a console as soon as it restocks.
Receive An Invitation To Buy PlayStation 5
Seek Out A PS5 Bundle Instead
Get Notified When The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Restocks
PS5 In Stock: How To Buy The Console At Walmart
Here’s a great tip for those interested in scoring a PlayStation 5: Throughout the holiday shopping season, Walmart will be restocking the consoles periodically. Keep in mind, though, that while the retailer sells the gaming console for its suggested retail price, many independent sellers on Walmart’s website charge a premium—if they happen to get the system in stock, that is.
If you decide to go this route, read the fine print carefully to determine what seller is offering the system, what system configuration or product bundles are really being offered and perhaps most importantly, what the return policy is. Note, too, that relevant bundled accessories are typically not genuine Sony accessories. Ahead, find some examples of independent sellers offering PS5 systems with premiums.
The PlayStation 5 Console—Often In Stock, But At A Higher Cost
A PlayStation 5 Console Bundle With A Number Of Fun Accessories
A PS5 Horizons Forbidden West Bundle With An Extra Controller
PS5 In Stock: How To Buy The Console At Target
At the moment, Target has several PlayStation 5 bundles in stock (in very limited quantities), but the console by itself is sold out. The PlayStation 5: God Of War Ragnarok Console With Wireless Controller is likely your best bet.
PS5 In Stock: How To Buy The Console On eBay
There are currently several new and used PlayStation 5 systems available on eBay from independent sellers. Before adding anything to your cart, though, be sure to check the seller’s ratings to make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable source. Also, you’ll want to read the fine print regarding the seller’s return policy. In other words, proceed with caution to avoid getting scammed.
PS5 In Stock: How To Buy A PS5 Directly From Sony’s PlayStation Store
Sony’s own PlayStation Store sells both versions of the PS5 console along with all Sony-branded PlayStation 5 accessories and all licensed games, but even the manufacturer itself seems to have a very limited stock. When you visit the company’s website, you’ll need to sign in with a free account to determine if any systems are available. At the time of writing this article, the PlayStation 5 Console (disk version) is in stock, but the lower priced PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console is not. The PS5 Console: God of War Ragnarök Bundle is currently also in stock at Sony and is available for its suggested list price.
PS5 In Stock: How To Buy The PlayStation 5 At Best Buy
While Best Buy does have a vast assortment of PS4 and PS5 games in stock along with popular related accessories, both the PS5 Console and PS5 Digital Edition Console continue to display a “Sold Out” status, with no indication as to when a restock is expected. On the plus side, Best Buy continues to advertise both gaming consoles at their suggested retail prices, as opposed to charging a premium.
In addition to trying to order a PS5 online, keep calling (or visiting) your local Best Buy locations to see if any new stock has arrived, as the inventory system on the Best Buy website is not always up to date.
If you’re looking for the PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, it’s currently available at Best Buy for just $70.
The optional Sony PlayStation 5 HD Camera accessory is also currently in stock and available for $60.
Other Strategies For Buying The PlayStation 5
Keep checking online with all of the popular authorized Sony sellers. For retail store chains, talk to a store manager to determine what time new inventory typically arrives at that store and is made available to customers. Once you’ve got that information, make a point to call or show up early to get your hands on the new inventory.
To avoid getting scammed, refrain from ordering a new PS5 from a random seller online whose reputation you can’t ascertain. You’ll also want to stay away from anyone on social media claiming to be able to get you a new PS5 immediately and in a hassle-free fashion. That, too, is almost guaranteed to be a scam.
If you’re going the local online marketplace route, such as Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp or Craigslist, be sure to confirm that what you’re buying is authentic, sealed and comes with a receipt if the seller claims it’s new. Be sure to test the console to make sure it’s working, too. And if you must meet up with a seller in person, do so at a well-lit and public meeting place with plenty of foot traffic.
More Tips For Finding The PS5 In Stock
To save yourself time contacting retailers and searching the web on your own looking for a PS5, try following Matt Swider’s Twitter account (@mattswider) or check out his website. New and accurate reports related to PS5 retailer inventory are posted regularly. You can also consider the StockX.com website, which offers up-to-the-minute details about which online and brick-and-mortar retailers have the PS5 in stock, and it even lists third-party sales (these are great if you don’t mind paying a premium over the standard retail cost).
Again, if you want to get your hands on a PlayStation 5 anytime soon, patience, persistence and good timing will be key—plus a little bit of luck.
Why The PS5 Is So Popular
The PlayStation 5 is a success on many levels. The console offers a huge range of popular games to choose from, many of which are Sony exclusives. While the system is about two years old, it offers unparalleled interactive and immersive game play thanks to the system’s high-speed SSD internal storage, the haptic feedback offered by the wireless controllers and the 3D audio that is often being incorporated into the latest games.
Compared to the PS4, the PS5 features a redesigned, updated console and wireless controllers. Game designers are now able to take advantage of adaptive triggers and improved haptic feedback to add more realism when it comes to interactions with in-game weapons, objects and gear. It’s also possible to forego using a gaming headset, but still be able to converse with other gamers thanks to a microphone that’s built into the system’s wireless controllers. Powering the PS5 is a proprietary CPU and GPU combined with a new SSD for internal storage, all of which work together to allow for faster interaction in any game. You also get almost instant loading when a game is stored on the system’s SSD.
Combine all of this with the PS5’s ability to produce and display vibrant colors and photo-realistic graphics—displayed at up to 120 frames-per-second in stunning 4K resolution (with support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate on 4K televisions or monitors)—and the result is a fresh gaming experience that’s never been possible with such fidelity until now.
PS5 Has Some Awesome Games Available Right Now
Of course, having an incredible gaming system is only the first step. Step two is offering a comprehensive lineup of games that will appeal to the masses, as well as hardcore gamers. With titles like Call of Duty: Vanguard, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, NBA 2K22, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade, and Demon’s Souls—plus backwards compatibility with more than 4,000 PS4 titles—there’s no shortage of gaming experiences and challenges to be had. In fact, unlimited access to many of the PlayStation’s biggest hits are available as part of a PlayStation Plus membership.
Blu-Ray Or No Blu-Ray: Two Versions Of The PS5 Are Available
Two versions of the PS5 console are available. There’s the PlayStation 5 Console (MSRP: $500), which includes a Blu-Ray disc drive for playing PS4 or PS5 games distributed on Blue-Ray discs. The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition ($400) does not include a disc drive. Instead, this system focuses on allowing gamers to experience games via the PlayStation Network or that are purchased and downloaded from the online-based PlayStation Store.
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