It’s almost July, but PS5 and PS5 Digital stock still hasn’t stabilized. In the eight months since the PS5 launched, finding the console in stock at major retailers has been a challenge to say the least. Sporadic opportunities to buy both versions of the console tend to sell out almost immediately. Today, Best Buy restocked the PS5 for the second time in a week, but like usual, stock was gone before many probably even knew it was available to begin with.
Despite Sony’s plans to ramp up PS5 production this summer, the company has warned that stock shortages will likely continue into 2022. Still, buying a PS5 isn’t impossible, but rather a game of persistence and knowing where to look. PS5 restocks at GameStop, Best Buy, Target, and other stores happen most weeks, but you have to be ready at all times.
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 our best tips for snagging a PS5.
How to buy a PS5: Our best tips
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.
- 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 emailed some users inviting them to buy the PS5 at PlayStation Direct on March 16 (and again on April 13). Now that it’s happened twice post-launch, there’s a pattern starting to emerge, and it seems Sony will continue contacting people to buy the PS5 roughly once a month. Invite-only orders were first rolled out in the PS5 preorder phase last year.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bookmark the product pages: It helps to know exactly where online retailers are selling the PS5, so bookmark the direct listings at Walmart, Best Buy, and more. We’ve included those links further down in this article.
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, which has reached a “crisis point.” The widespread semiconductor shortage has affected console production and graphics cards as well as numerous other industries, including the auto industry.
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. Per the tips above, 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 availability 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 availability at GameStop
GameStop had PS5 bundles in stock on June 18, but the latest restock was exclusive to PowerUp Rewards Pro members.
PS5 availability at Walmart
Walmart last had the PS5 in stock on June 17. Stock sold out almost instantly.
PS5 availability at Best Buy
Best Buy’s last online PS5 restock was on June 29, and you could even order a console for in-store pickup. We suggest checking with your local Best Buy store in case of availability.
PS5 availability at Target
Target’s most recent restock was on June 16. Though Target didn’t have any PS5 availability for months after the console’s launch, we’ve seen several restocks from the retailer recently–usually for in-store pickup only.
PS5 availability 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.
Where to buy PS5 accessories
While the Pulse 3D wireless headset was 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 SteelSeries Arctis 1 and the Astro A50. Any of your existing PS4 headsets should work, too.
Other official PS5 accessories, like the media remote and DualSense charging station, are still harder to find in stock than the headset, though availability is slowly starting to improve.
See more PS5 recommendations:
Where to buy PS5’s biggest games
Quite a few PS5 games are available now, including launch titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon’s Souls. Keep in mind that many PS4 games come with free next-gen upgrades have been discounted since launch, making them a better deal than buying the PS5 versions outright.
Check it out
