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When we first got wind of the PS5 a year and a half ago, we never would have predicted that four months after the eventual product launch, it would still be routinely sold out everywhere. There’s been a perfect storm of factors that led to the console’s persistent sold-out status; a worldwide pandemic has shaken the tech industry’s production likes to the core, while resellers have used bots to hoover up as much inventory as possible. It all adds up to the fact that ordinary gamers can’t get their hands on one.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
That hasn’t prevented the PS5 from becoming the fastest-selling console in US history. Even so, the PlayStation 5 has been mostly sold out for four months now in both of its configurations: the $500 model with Blu-ray and the less-expensive $400 digital-only edition with no optical drive.
As of March 13, there are no PS5 consoles available for purchase at regular retail process anywhere. Of course, if you are willing to spend a lot of money you can get a PS5 or PS5 bundle at a reseller like eBay or StockX — but we advise waiting. In a few more months we expect inventory levels to rise, and then you might regret having spent $1,000 or more to get a PS5 sooner.
You can monitor where the PS5 is available on your own; Twitter, for example, is a good source of restock rumors. But we occasionally get word directly from retailers and tipsters about upcoming inventory restocks, and we update this post immediately. Be aware: It will likely be months before anything approximating normal inventory levels appears in stores, so getting your own PS5 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 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, 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.
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.
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).
More PS5 coverage
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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