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Let’s just get the bad news out of the way: No major retailer options have been able to keep Sony’s PS5 console in stock since its launch. Even Sony itself can’t keep up with demand for the highly coveted console, and any restocks sell out in just a couple of minutes. On top of the sky-high demand, supply issues have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and a global chip shortage. For anyone who has tried — and failed — to get a PS5, it will come as no surprise to learn that it is now the fastest-selling gaming console in US history.
Luckily, if you’re one of many people who are still struggling to buy a PlayStation 5, there’s some good news. We’re seeing inventory drops at retailers happening more frequently for both the $500 PS5 with Blu-ray and the less expensive $400 digital-only version without an optical drive. Earlier this week, for instance, GameStop had a limited number of PS5 and Xbox bundles available. Not only that, but Sony’s PlayStation Direct has been holding brief restock events. However, those are only open to those who have received exclusive email invites — so if you’re still trying to buy a console, you might want to consider signing up for PS Direct marketing emails in case it helps you get a future invite. 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 a retailer 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.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
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.
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.
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
17:44
This article is regularly updated with the latest PS5 stock news.
CNET’s Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow the Cheapskate on Facebook and Twitter. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals page and check out our CNET Coupons page for the latest promo codes from Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.
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