STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Strike out on getting a PS5 for the holidays? There’s still a chance you could secure a new console to ring in the new year.
Despite the PS5 being released over a year ago, gamers are still struggling to get their hands on the next-generation gaming console due to the ongoing microchip shortage that has severely limited supply.
And when the systems are finally restocked, they tend to sell out in a matter of minutes.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you beat the restock rush and finally get that PS5 you’ve been waiting for.
KNOW WHERE TO LOOK
It may sound simple, but if you’re trying to secure a PS5, make sure you know where to look.
Most retailers have been selling out of the console within minutes of restocking, meaning the more places you look, the better chances you have of scoring one.
Those looking to get their hands on the PS5 should regularly check retailers like Walmart, GameStop, Target, Best Buy, Amazon and PlayStation Direct to increase their odds.
SIGN UP FOR ALERTS
It’s nearly impossible to keep track of all the restocks yourself, so signing up for various alerts can make it a lot easier to know when the PS5 will be back in stock.
Most retailers that are currently sold out of the PS5 will allow prospective buyers to sign up for alerts that will notify them via email or text when the console comes back in stock.
Shoppers may also want to consider following and turning on alerts for one of the many Twitter accounts that keep track of planned restocks and often alert followers before the restock happens, giving them additional time to queue up on the site.
SUBSCRIBE TO MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS
Some retailers, like Walmart, GameStop and Best Buy, are now offering exclusive early access to console restocks to members of the companies’ subscription-based membership programs.
Members of these programs are being granted access to PS5 consoles hours before they’re made available to the general public, meaning those willing to sign up have much better odds of securing a new system.
On the flip side, non-members may find it even harder than before to purchase the new consoles, with most of the available inventory being bought up by members before others even have the chance to add one to their cart.
Walmart is giving exclusive early access to the PS5 and Xbox Series X to members of the company’s Walmart+ program, which costs $13 per month, or $98 per year.
Walmart+ members are granted access to the company’s console restocks four hours before non-members.
While Walmart is currently offering a 15-day free trial for the Walmart+ program, only paying subscribers are eligible for early access restocks.
Click here for more information on Walmart+.
GameStop is offering early access to PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles to members of the company’s PowerUp Rewards Pro program, which costs $14.99 for a full year.
PowerUp Rewards Pro members are advised to keep an eye out for emails and social media posts regarding upcoming restocks for the best chance to snag a console.
While GameStop also offers an unpaid PowerUp Rewards program, only paid members of PowerUp Rewards Pro are eligible for early access.
Click here for more information on PowerUp Rewards Pro.
Best Buy is also offering early access to PS5 and Xbox Series X to members of the company’s Totaltech program, which costs $199.99 per year.
While the Totaltech program is a bit more expensive than the other membership programs, it also includes a wide range of other perks, like unlimited Geek Squad tech support, free delivery and installation, extended 60-day return windows, up to two years of protection on most Best Buy purchases and more.
Click here for more information on Best Buy’s Totaltech program.
ASK LOCAL EMPLOYEES
While the majority of PS5 restocks have been exclusively for online sales, some retailers, like GameStop, have also been holding in-store restocks.
It’s not always clear when these in-store restocks will occur, but sometimes store employees are given a heads up as to when the new consoles will come in.
If you keep striking out online, it may be worth it to take a trip to your local GameStop and ask the employees if they know when the next in-store restock will occur.
USE AN APP
If you’re trying to purchase a PS5 from a retailer that offers its own mobile app, like Walmart, you’ll likely have a better chance of securing a console using the app as opposed to a standard web browser.
Mobile apps typically have quicker load times and checkout systems than web browsers, and with how quickly recent restocks have been selling out, every second counts.
LOG IN BEFORE THE RESTOCK
Whether you’re using an app or a web browser, make sure you are logged in to your account before the restock goes live.
Many retailers require customers to be logged into an account in order to purchase a PS5.
If you’re not logged in when the restock goes live, there’s a chance you could add the console to your cart, but by the time you provide your log-in information and proceed to check out, it could already be out of stock.
DON’T GIVE UP EARLY
When a console goes from “available” to “out of stock”, many customers assume they’re out of luck and close their browser or mobile app.
However, you shouldn’t give up so quickly.
Many retailers have been releasing their console restocks in waves to prevent bots and scalpers from immediately buying them all up.
Shoppers should wait at least 10 minutes, refreshing their browser or app throughout that time, to make sure they don’t miss out on a potential second wave of restock.
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