We are almost halfway through February, and the PS5 inventory for 2021 does not look good yet. The new PlayStation console has been very difficult to get in stock since the pre-order opened, and although some had hoped that the new year would make the PS5 easier to find in stock, this was simply not the case.
In a recent earnings report, Sony confirmed that it sold 4.5 million PS5 consoles from October to December. The company acknowledged the current shortage of PS5, but promises to “do everything in our power” to make more PS5s available to consumers, adding that it is on track to deliver 7.6 million PS5 units during the to sell first financial year. However, the PS5 stock situation is likely to improve only in early summer. Microsoft recently conceded that the Xbox Series X stock will be limited to at least June, so we expect the same to apply with the PS5.
Despite these facts, you do not have much luck on the PS5 front. Although it will be difficult to buy the PS5 in the coming months, retailers are still offering sporadic online supplies, and PlayStation Direct will also be opening the queues for the PS5 from time to time. Usually no advance notice is given, so the PS5 game is to keep an eye on Twitter (and of course stories like this) for news on the latest stock. There are many accounts that tweet once the PS5 is noticed in stock. We have recently seen several inventory returns from major retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart and GameStop, including the largest inventory we have seen since Black Friday end of January. Last week, Walmart offered both the PS5 and PS5 Digital in a series of consecutive stocks, though each sold out quickly. Generally, you are more fortunate with stock that is not announced ahead of time, but of course it is also more difficult to keep up.
We will continue to update this manual as PS5 units are offered for sale. Just be aware that if you want one, you should be open as soon as possible to purchasing a bundle of games and accessories that you may or may not want. . If you want to buy a PS5 relatively soon, these are the kind of concessions you need to make. Third-party sellers like StockX are also options, though we recommend waiting to buy the PS5 at MSRP (and not hundreds above the price).
Where to buy the PS5
PS5 availability on PlayStation Direct
PlayStation Direct regularly opens a queue for buyers to buy the PS5 (and anything else on the first-party website), but it’s more than an hour’s wait and it’s unclear if the PS5 is even available. It’s still worth checking out PS Direct on a regular basis, as it’s the only store that still releases the PS5 on a slightly regular basis. However, the rows also appear to be somewhat random.
Note that finding a queue on PS Direct does not necessarily mean that the PS5 is in stock; it simply indicates high traffic to the store. It never hurts to jump in and wait when you find the rope and you will be at your computer for a while, but know that there is no guarantee that it is in stock by the time you get through it.
PS5 availability at GameStop
GameStop re-launched the PS5 on January 27; however, the PS5 and PS5 Digital editions were only available in expensive bundles. This was a relatively common occurrence at GameStop.
PS5 availability at Walmart
Walmart had the PS5, along with other next-generation systems, on its website on February 4th. Like other Walmart stock, there are more systems available every ten minutes that give customers a chance to get them, but they sold out ridiculously fast. The stock was announced about an hour ahead of time, giving hopeful buyers (and traders) time to prepare.
PS5 availability at Best Buy
Best Buy’s last PS5 relaunch was on January 22 – it was the second consecutive day that Best Buy reaffirmed the PS5 on its website, but since then it has been quiet. Best Buy had no stock on store shelves throughout the holiday season, but the retailer has stated that consoles will be available in stores in 2021. We recommend that you contact your local Best Buy store if available.
PS5 availability at Target
Target’s latest stock was on February 2nd. Both the PS5 and PS5 Digital were available, but only for in-store pickup. We still recommend that you call your local stores for availability. This is only the second PS5 stock we’ve seen since its launch at Target.
PS5 availability at Amazon
Amazon was the least trusted retailer in terms of PS5 re-stock – we’ve barely seen the next-generation console since its launch there. The most recent reboot of Amazon PS5 took place on January 21st. We only saw the $ 500 disc driver version in stock, and it was gone instantly.
Where to buy PS5 accessories
The Pulse 3D wireless headphone was the hardest PS5 accessory to get in stock, and it was the first accessory sold out at major retailers. Over the past few weeks, the stock has reappeared frequently, though it is still not an item you can buy reliably at any time. However, there are still a number of excellent headsets that you can buy to go along with your new PS5. Our personal favorite is the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro wireless headset; other excellent options include the SteelSeries Arctis 1 and the Astro A50. Any of your existing PS4 headsets should work as well.
Other official PS5 accessories, such as the media remote control and DualSense charging station, are also popular and do not stay in stock with occasional stock.
See more PS5 recommendations:
Where to buy PS5’s biggest games
Quite a few PS5 games are now available, including launch titles such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon’s Souls. Keep in mind that many PS4 games with free next-generation upgrades have been downgraded since launch, which makes it better than buying the PS5 versions straight.