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Where to buy a PS5: Everything you need to know about getting Sony's new console

Finding a PS5 seems impossible right now -- but there are ways to improve your odds.

Dave Johnson
Oscar Gonzalez Former staff reporter
Oscar Gonzalez is a Texas native who covered video games, conspiracy theories, misinformation and cryptocurrency.
Expertise Video Games, Misinformation, Conspiracy Theories, Cryptocurrency, NFTs, Movies, TV, Economy, Stocks
Oscar Gonzalez
4 min read

Well, it's been more than five months and so many of the gamers seeking a PS5 are still trapped in a constant cycle of waiting for restocks, logging on at the exact right moment and getting nothing more than a "sold out" message for their troubles. You'd think that demand for a gaming system that dropped last November would have waned by now, but high demand, exacerbated by low supply caused by a global chip shortage, has continued to make it difficult for Sony to produce enough consoles for everyone who wants one.

But don't lose hope! Sony's PlayStation Direct has been holding brief restock events almost weekly, and those who continue to queue up for a PS5 might also have a chance to get an email to get into the front of the line. GameStop also continues to receive bundles. And if you're not already on Twitter keeping an eye out for inventory drops at the major retailers, you should be: They're happening more and more often. 

If you're willing to shell out way more than the sticker price, you can get a PlayStation 5 or PS5 bundle at a reseller like eBay or StockX. But our advice is to wait until the console is available at its regular sticker price at retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, GameStop, Target and Walmart. Be sure to check back here often for the latest updates on when retailers might have new console restocks.

ps5-blue

Don't give up trying to get one of these. 

Sony

You can monitor PlayStation 5 stock updates on your own; as mentioned above, Twitter is a good source for restock rumors. But we occasionally get word directly from retailers and tipsters about upcoming PS5 console inventory restocks, and we update this post immediately. Again, be aware: It likely could be months before anything approximating normal inventory levels appears in stores, so getting your own PS5 gaming console is likely to be a challenge until summer at the earliest. Below you'll find a list of all the major retailers (and a few high-profile resellers) where you can monitor the video game console's stock and availability. 

More on next-gen consoles

PS5 restock options at major retailers

You can check out Amazon's page for the $400 Digital Edition via the button below, or, if you'd rather, get in line for the PS5 with Blu-ray for $500.

GameStop offers both the $400 Digital Edition (click the button below) and the pricier PS5 with Blu-ray for $500 (when there is inventory). You should also be able to buy a full range of PS5 accessories from GameStop, like the Pulse 3D wireless headset for $100.

When in stock, Target offers the PS5 with Blu-ray for $500, in addition to the PS5 Digital Edition, which you can find by clicking the button below.

You can check on availability of the $400 Digital Edition at Walmart by clicking the button below, or you can try to snag the pricier PS5 with Blu-ray for $500.

When in stock, Best Buy offers the PS5 with Blu-ray for $500 along with the $400 Digital Edition (which you can find by clicking the button below). The retailer is also offering a slew of accessories on its PS5 landing page.

Newegg doesn't sell PS5 consoles by themselves, just bundles. Still, it does have regular restocks for those who don't mind spending a little extra. 

We don't recommend spending more than retail to get a PS5, but if you must have a console right now, eBay is your shortcut to getting a console. That said, expect to pay hundreds over list; the average PS5 price on eBay is about $800.

If you've exhausted all of the usual retail options and you're willing to pay hundreds over list price, you might want to check out StockX, an eBay alternative that made its name in the secondary market for sneakers and designer clothing. Last time we checked, prices for the PS5 were hovering just below $650. We don't think it's worth it, but let your conscience (and your wallet) be your guide.

Watch this: PS5 review: Full breakdown of all the new features

This article is regularly updated with the latest PS5 stock news.


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