Console-based video gaming is as popular as ever, and this holiday season, the system people are clamoring to get their hands on is definitely Sony’s PlayStation 5. The problem? In conjunction with Black Friday, it’s typically sold out just about everywhere. So, while the PS5 ads boldly state, “Play Has No Limits,” this is not entirely accurate, since not being able to buy the system due to product shortages is a definite limit.
The PlayStation 5 is one of the hottest selling items this holiday season.
Future Publishing via Getty Images via Getty Images
To be fair, both Nintendo and Microsoft console-based systems are equally hard to find at your favorite stores or online, so people who want a new system immediately are often forced to pay a premium price. But, between the Nintendo Switch, the latest Xbox Series X, and the PS5, it’s the PS5 that is typically at the very top of most gamers’ holiday wish list.
Why The PS5 Is So Popular
The PlayStation 5 offers a new generation of 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 and updated console and wireless controllers. For example, game designers are now able to take advantage of adaptive triggers and improved haptic feedback offered by the controls within their respective games 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, and 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, which Sony has achieved. 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–and there’s no shortage of gaming experiences and challenges to be had. In fact, unlimited access to many of the PS4’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: $499.99), which includes a Blu-Ray disc drive for playing PS4 or PS5 games distributed on Blue-Ray discs. The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition ($399.99) 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.
Right now, during its own for Black Friday sale, the PlayStation Store is offering dozens of PS5 games and popular accessories for up to 50 percent off. For example, you can pick up a one year PlayStation Plus subscription for just $39.99 (a $20 savings).
Quick tips for finding the PS5 in stock
Between microchip shortages and shipping issues, retailers are having a difficult time this holiday season obtaining PS5 inventory, and due to demand, within minutes after stock becomes available, it typically sells out.
To save yourself some 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 (www.TheShortcut.com). New and accurate reports related to PS5 retailer inventory are posted regularly, but if you want the real inside scoop, you’ll need to pay for a subscription ($5/month or $50/year) to access all features on the website.
There’s also the StockX.com website which offers up-to-the-minute details about which online and brick-and-mortar retailers have the PS5 in stock, plus third-party sales if you don’t mind paying a premium over the standard retail cost.
You Can Buy a PS5 Directly From Sony’s PlayStation Store
Sony’s own PlayStation Store directly sells both versions of the PS5 console, along with all Sony-branded PlayStation 5 accessories and all licensed games. The problem… well, Sony is sold out of the PS5s too.
From the PlayStation Store’s website, you can, however, register to buy a PS5 console, but with limited supply, registering does not guarantee you’ll be able to buy the system and receive it anytime soon.
PlayStation 5 stock at Best Buy
While Best Buy does have a vast assortment of PS4 and PS5 games in stock, along with popular PS5 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 suggest 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 a PS5 accessory, like the PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, this is currently available from Best Buy for $100.
The optional Sony PlayStation 5 HD Camera accessory is also currently in stock and available for $60.
If you need to get your hands on extra PS5 DualSense Wireless Controllers, these too are readily available at Best Buy for $70.
PlayStation 5 Stock at Walmart
Unfortunately, Sony does not seem to play favorites when choosing which of its retailers receive PS5 inventory, nor does it reveal when inventory will be delivered. Thus, Walmart is also sold out of both versions of the PS5 console.
However, according to Walmart’s website, Walmart+ paid members will be able to order a PS5 Console or PS5 Digital Edition starting at 4pm (EST) on November 22, but emphasizes limited quantities will be available. A paid membership to Walmart+ gives you access to all of Walmart’s Black Friday sales four hours before everyone else. The cost of membership is $98 per year or $12.95 per month.
Just as with Best Buy, Walmart currently has a great selection of PS5 games and accessories in stock.
PlayStation 5 Stock at Amazon
Not even Amazon has enough clout with Sony to obtain PS5 console inventory, however, some of the Amazon Sellers which sell video game equipment through Amazon are promoting that they have brand-new PS5 consoles in-stock and ready to ship… but they’re charging a heafy premium.
For example, one listing from a seller, called Tech Plus Pro, is offering the PS5 Console for $1,299.00 or the PS5 Digital Edition for $1,199, with immediate shipping available.
Meanwhile, another Amazon Seller, called Only PRN LLC, is selling a new PS5 Console for the outrageously high price of $1,499, while e@World is offering the same system for $1,239 and reports it has several systems remaining in stock.
Keep in mind, when shopping with some Amazon Sellers (as opposed to Amazon directly), the video game console might not be returnable, so read the fine print within each product listing carefully.
PlayStation 5 Stock at GameStop
While currently out of stock on new, refurbished, and used PS5 consoles like everyone else, GameSpot is reporting that it will be offering a limited supply of new consoles starting on Thanksgiving Day.
However, in conjunction with Black Friday, a vast selection of PS5 games are on sale for up to 60 percent off. A selection of new and pre-owned PS5 accessories are also currently in stock.
PlayStation 5 Stock at B&H Photo / Video
Just like all its competitors, B&H is displaying a “Currently Unavailable” banner on the product pages for the PlayStation 5 Console and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console—with no indication about when an inventory replenishment will arrive.
B&H Photo / Video does, however, have the PS5 DualSense Wireless Controllers ($69.99 each), Sony PlayStation 5 Media Remote ($29.99), Sony PlayStation 5 HD Camera ($59.99), and other gaming accessories in stock and ready to ship.
PlayStation 5 Stock at Target
Right now, both the PlayStation 5 Console and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition are also sold out at Target as well, but the website reports that “Consoles will be viewable when inventory is available.” From the PlayStation 5 page on Target’s website, you are, however, able to purchase PS5 games and accessories, plus pre-order games not yet released.
More Tips 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 (be super polite for the best results) and determine what time new inventory typically arrives at that store and is made available to customers. Once you know this, make a point to call or show up and be the first in line to grab the new inventory.
To avoid getting scammed, refrain from ordering a new PS5 from a random seller on eBay.com, for example, unless you know that seller is reputable. And stay away from anyone on Twitter and the like claiming to be able to get you a new PS5 immediately and hassle-free. If someone is offering you a fast track to a gaming console that’s sold out everywhere else—and is offering it at its original retail price—it’s almost guaranteed to be a scam.
If you’re going the local online marketplace route—such as Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp or Craigslist—confirm whether 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 in all other instances. 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. You’ll find that many police stations happily offer their lobbies specifically for transactions like this, and that’ll often be your safest option. Most criminals are not stupid enough to attempt to scam someone at a police station.
Ultimately, if you want to get your hands on a PlayStation 5 anytime soon, patience, persistence, good timing and a bit of luck will be your keys to success this holiday season.
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