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Why is the PS5 console so hard to get? In short, you can thank the pandemic-induced global chip shortage — and increased demand for the PS5 and other electronics. It’s not just the PlayStation 5 that’s in short supply, of course — there’s a squeeze on chip-equipped items from cars to refrigerators due to supply chain issues.
The Sony PlayStation 5 is in such high demand, in fact, that just about every retailer is using it as an angle to sell a premium subscription service.
At last look, a PS5 restock at Best Buy was limited to those with Best Buy Totaltech Memberships — a service that costs $200 per year. (Other benefits include free two-day shipping and two-year product protection for all purchases, plus early access to other tech drops, such as hard-to-find graphics cards.)
Best Buy Totaltech Membership (1 year), $199
Walmart has also restricted PlayStation5 restocks to Walmart+ members. The service, which costs $98 per year or $12.94 per month, also offers free, same-day delivery from your local Walmart store (in some areas), member prices on gas (at participating stations) and money off on certain prescriptions.
Subscribe to Walmart+, $12.95 per month
Even GameStop has a premium membership that lets you skip to the front of the PS5 line: PowerUp Rewards Pro. That membership costs $15 a year, though it does offer a $10 reward on signup, plus a $5 credit to spend every month. PowerUp Rewards Pro members also get 2% back in rewards.
GameStop PowerUp Rewards Pro (1 year), $14.99
Sony
It’s possible that you’ll still be able to get a PS5 console at Best Buy, Walmart or GameStop, even if you’re not willing to drop your hard-earned cash on a premium membership. Your luck depends on checking frequently for the latest PlayStation 5 restock news — and on tapping those “check stock now” buttons to get lucky.
If social media is your thing, Tech Radar Editor-in-Chief Matt Swider has turned his Twitter profile into a PS5 restock tracker of sorts. He even flew to Boston last October to live blog the GameStop in-store restock in person.
Retailers Walmart, Best Buy, Gamestop, and Target restock the console, but those PS5 restocks often sell out in seconds. Keep reading to find out when the elusive Sony PlayStation 5 console will hit shelves again — and how you can be among the first to know.
(Still on the fence about getting a new PS5 console? Check out the latest games for the PlayStation 5.)
PS5 at Walmart
Sony via Walmart
Walmart’s next PS5 drop is slated for February 24 at 12 p.m. EST, and it’s limited to Walmart+ members. The last drop sold out quick, so you’ll want to set a timer and be sure to refresh the Walmart website the minute new stock appears. (You’ll want to sign up for Walmart+ ahead of time.)
Otherwise, you can try tapping the “check stock now” buttons below to try and catch a surprise restock.
Walmart is only selling the PS5 online.
Sony PlayStation 5 console (Blu-ray), $500
Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, $400
PS5 at StockX (in stock now)
Sony via StockX
StockX is a place where you can buy and sell hard-to-find items like limited-edition streetwear, sneakers — and consoles, such as the PlayStation 5. (StockX verifies the authenticity of every item.)
If you’re OK with buying a PS5 from a third-party reseller, StockX is the way to go — it’s where markups on the PS5 are lowest (currently, you’ll pay $175 extra). Resale prices on StockX have come down somewhat since the holiday season.
Sony PlayStation 5 console (Blu-ray), $675
Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, $664
PS5 at Best Buy
Sony via Best Buy
When Best Buy releases a cache of PS5 consoles, they sell out almost immediately. You can use the button below to check the current stock of PS5s — you never know when there will be a surprise restock. The store has the Blu-ray console listed for $500 and the PS5 Digital Edition priced at $400. A number of PS5 bundles are available at Best Buy as well (when in stock).
Sony PlayStation 5 console (Blu-ray), $500
Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, $400
PS5 at Amazon
Sony via Amazon
Amazon last restocked the PS5 console on Dec. 30 for Amazon Prime members, and it sold out quickly. The best way to catch a PS5 restock on Amazon is to get lucky with the “check stock now” button below.
Sony PlayStation 5 console (Blu-ray), $500
Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, $400
PS5 at GameStop
Sony via Gamestop
GameStop has been releasing a limited number of consoles in in-store events, though those consoles are typically part of larger bundles. (One recent bundle included Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut and Far Cry 6.)
The last Gamestop in-store event was on Friday, Jan. 14 per The Shortcut’s Matt Swider.
PS5 at Target
Sony via Target
Target PS5 restocks have been few and far between, though there was a restock earlier this month. You can use the button below to check Target’s current stock.
PlayStation Direct
Sony
On PlayStation.com, you can register for an opportunity to purchase a PS5 directly from the maker. When a run of consoles becomes available, PlayStation emails the next batch of shoppers in the queue with private links to purchase. The site does not currently offer a timeline for when those links will become available.
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