As we inch closer to the holiday season–the second holiday season after the PS5’s launch–it remains difficult to find the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital. Restocks at major retailers tend to sell out in minutes (like the Amazon and Walmart restocks last week), and consoles are made available so sporadically that it’s hard to get a read on when the next big restock will happen. It’s been more than 10 months since the PS5 launched, but hopefully stock will begin to stabilize in the coming months. It does seem unlikely that consoles will be readily available throughout the holiday season, though. In any case, our PS5 restock guide includes links to all major retailer listings as well as tips for securing a console.
At this point, you’re probably familiar with the Twitter culture that has sprung up around PS5 restocks–as frustrating as it can be to click through only to find the console already sold out, this still remains one of the best ways to successfully buy a PS5, especially if you have notifications turned on. Checking the store listings every day is a good idea as well, as you’ll sometimes see the PS5 pop up without notice at Walmart or Best Buy. In the meantime, you can check availability at major retailers here, and read on for the latest PS5 updates for specific stores, our best tips for securing a PS5, and more.
Where to buy a PS5: Check availability
We’re continuing to update this guide as PS5 units go on sale–you can check out the direct retail listings and last restock info at major retailers below. You’ll want to keep in mind whether you’re willing to buy a pricey bundle or pay above MSRP for the PS5 itself, as third-party sellers like StockX are options as well. However, we do recommend waiting to buy the PS5 at MSRP (and not hundreds above list price).
PS5 restocks at PlayStation Direct
PlayStation Direct regularly opens up a queue for shoppers to buy the PS5 (and anything else on the first-party site), but it’s often over an hour wait and unclear if the PS5 is even available. Still, it’s worth checking PS Direct often, as it’s the only store still releasing the PS5 on a somewhat regular basis. However, the queues appear to also be somewhat random.
Note that finding a queue on PS Direct doesn’t necessarily mean the PS5 is in stock; it simply indicates high traffic to the store. It never hurts to jump in and wait if you find the queue and you’ll be at your computer for a while, but know there’s no guarantee it’ll be in stock by the time you get through.
PS5 restocks at GameStop
GameStop had PS5 bundles in stock on September 28. GameStop’s restocks nearly always feature bundles nowadays instead of standalone consoles, usually throwing in a game, extra controller, and/or PlayStation Plus with the PS5 itself.
PS5 restocks at Walmart
Walmart last had the PS5 in stock on September 23, and it sold out almost instantly. Oftentimes, Walmart PS5 restocks are announced with a few hours’ notice and usually happen at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET, with more stock releasing every 10 minutes over a little less than an hour.
PS5 restocks at Best Buy
Best Buy’s last PS5 restock was on September 23, and both the PS5 and PS5 Digital were available. Best Buy’s restocks usually happen in the latter half of the week (often on Thursday or Friday), but this isn’t always the case.
PS5 restocks at Target
Target’s most recent restock was on September 10. We’ve seen several restocks from the retailer recently–usually for in-store pickup only.
PS5 restocks at Amazon
Amazon has been the least reliable retailer when it comes to PS5 restocks–we’ve barely seen the next-gen console in stock there since launch. Amazon PS5 restocks tend to sell out even quicker than other major retailers, which makes securing the console quite a challenge. However, Amazon did have a surprise PS5 restock on September 21.
When will PS5 stock stabilize?
Unfortunately, PS5 shortages will likely continue through 2022. According to Bloomberg, Sony recently informed analysts that PS5 demand is outpacing supply. “I don’t think demand is calming down this year and even if we secure a lot more devices and produce many more units of the PlayStation 5 next year, our supply wouldn’t be able to catch up with demand,” CFO Hiroki Totoki reportedly said during a meeting with analysts.
However, Sony does plan to ramp up PS5 production over the summer and into the second half of 2021, so you may have a better shot at buying one before this holiday season. In an interview with Wired, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan said they’re working hard to improve the PS5 stock situation. “We see production ramping up over the summer and certainly into the second half of the year, and we would hope to see some sort of return to normality in terms of the balance between supply and demand during that period,” Ryan said.
PS5 stock issues have stemmed in part from a global chip shortage. The widespread semiconductor shortage has affected console production and graphics cards as well as numerous other industries, including the auto industry. In a Sony earnings call on August 4, CFO Hiroki Totoki confirmed that the company has enough chips to hit its target of 14.8 million PS5s sold this fiscal year, with 10 million already sold since the console’s launch, but this doesn’t mean that everyone who wants a PS5 will easily be able to buy one this holiday.
How to buy a PS5: Tips and tricks
Being able to buy a PS5 is largely a matter of luck and timing, but there are ways to boost your chances of actually securing Sony’s new console.
Follow restock accounts on Twitter and turn on notifications: Accounts like Wario64, Spiel Times, PS5 Restock Alert, and PS5 Stock Alerts will tweet when PlayStation Direct and other stores have PS5 stock, and turning on notifications will ensure you don’t miss any news (however, note that accounts like Wario64 tweet about deals and non-PS5 news as well). Of course, we tweet PS5 restock information on our own account, GameSpot Deals, as well.
Follow a Twitch bot tracking console restocks in real time: Twitch user killercam1020 has a 24/7 stream that uses a bot to track restocks for both the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S at major retailers. The constantly moving wall of text usually shows “Out of Stock” at all stores, but when the bot detects the PS5 being in stock somewhere, you’ll be one of the first to know, if you’re monitoring the stream. You can also follow Cameron Ritz, who runs the stream, on Twitter for updates.
Don’t buy a PS5 from other Twitter users: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. PS5 restock scams are still a thing on Twitter; some of these accounts are even verified and may appear to be affiliated with PlayStation. No one will sell you a PS5 at only a slight markup. Avoid buying from anyone on Twitter that you don’t know; stay vigilant and buy from legitimate retail sites.
Update your Sony account: Log into your Sony account and make sure it’s up to date with all notification options turned on, as Sony occasionally emails users inviting them to buy the PS5 at PlayStation Direct. Even if you’re not selected, a public PlayStation Direct queue usually opens up afterward on these days.
Stay logged in at major retailers and ensure info is up to date: You don’t want to get to checkout and have to update your address or payment information–in that time, the PS5 could sell out. Make sure your shipping and billing information is up to date at all major retailers, and stay logged in if possible.
Be ready at exact restock times when announced beforehand: Walmart and GameStop have a history of announcing PS5 restocks ahead of time, anywhere from days beforehand to one hour prior. While this is convenient for hopeful buyers, it also gives scalpers time to prepare as well, so they can be the most frustrating restocks to deal with. That said, plenty of people do still have luck with these pre-announced restocks, so you’ll want to be ready at your computer at the set time with payment information on hand.
Don’t give up too quickly: Some major retailers like Best Buy release PS5 stock in waves every few minutes. When you get notified that a restock is happening, don’t give up as soon as you see that “unavailable” or “out of stock” button; keep refreshing as there’s a chance more stock will be available shortly.
Keep an eye on smaller retailers: Amazon, Walmart, GameStop, Target, and Best Buy aren’t the only retailers selling the PS5. If you’re a Costco member, we’ve seen the PS5 pop up there, and the Exchange store sometimes has consoles available for members of the military. We’ve also seen the PS5 at Kohl’s, Meijer, Newegg, and more, so don’t think that you’re limited to the big stores.
Know whether you’re willing to buy a bundle: Stores like GameStop and Antonline have been selling the PS5 bundled with an extra controller and other accessories and games for higher prices. While these bundles tend to be priced at the exact value of everything included, some of these bundles have items you may not actually want, so you’ll have to determine whether the price is worth it for you. For what it’s worth, we suggest waiting to buy the console at MSRP if possible, but if you’re willing to buy a pricey bundle, you may have an easier time getting the PS5.
Where to buy PS5 accessories
While the Pulse 3D wireless headset was extremely difficult to buy for a few months, stock for Sony’s first-party headset has now stabilized at most retailers. However, there are some fantastic third-party PS5 headsets worth considering too. Our personal favorite is the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro wireless headset; other great options include the versatile SteelSeries Arctis 1 and the high-end Astro A50. Any of your existing PS4 headsets should work, too.
Other official PS5 accessories, like the media remote and DualSense charging station, are now much easier to find in stock as well.
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