The PS5 and PS5 digital editions are currently in stock on Best Buy. As always, these consoles are likely to sell very quickly.
We’re still a few months into 2021 and the PS5 inventory is not much clearer yet. Retailers have reloaded the PS5 sporadically, sometimes randomly and other times, with pre-announced times. Walmart had the PS5 and PS5 Digital in stock yesterday, March 4, but the retailer sold out predictably quickly. Being able to buy a PS5 is largely a matter of luck and timing, but there are ways to secure your chances on Sony’s new console.
How to buy a PS5: our best tips
- Follow the recharge accounts on Twitter and enable notifications: Accounts such as Wario64, Game Times, PS5 reload alert, en PS5 stock alerts will tweet if PlayStation Direct and other stores have PS5 stock, and by turning on notifications you will ensure you do not miss any news (note, however, that accounts like Wario64 also tweet about offers and non-PS5 news). Of course, we tweet PS5 stock information on our own account, GameSpot Offers, too.
- Stay logged in to major retailers and make sure information is up to date: You do not want to checkout and need to update your address or payment information – in that time the PS5 may sell. Make sure your delivery and billing information is up to date at all major retailers, and stay logged in if possible.
- Be ready at exact recharge times if announced in advance: Walmart and GameStop have a history of announcing PS5 inventory ahead of time, from days in advance to one hour in advance. While comfortable for hopeful buyers, it also gives scalpers time to prepare as well, so they can be the frustrating stock to deal with. That said, many people are still happy with this pre-announced stock, so you will need to be ready on your computer at the set time with payment information at hand.
- Watch smaller retailers: Amazon, Walmart, GameStop, Target and Best Buy are not the only retailers selling the PS5. If you’re a Costco member, we’ve seen the PS5 appear there, and the Exchange store sometimes has consoles available for military members. We’ve also seen the PS5 at Kohl’s, Meijer, Newegg and more, so do not think you’re limited to the big stores.
- Know if you are willing to buy a bundle: Stores like GameStop and Antonline sold the PS5 along with an extra controller and other accessories and games for higher prices. Although these bundles are usually included at the exact value of everything, some of the bundles contain items you do not actually want, so you need to determine if the price is worth it to you. For what it’s worth, we suggest you wait to buy the console from MSRP if possible, but if you’m willing to buy an expensive bundle, you can get the PS5 more easily.
- Mark the product pages: It helps to know exactly where online retailers sell the PS5, so bookmark the direct deals at Walmart, Best Buy and more. We have included these links further in this article.
When will PS5 stocks stabilize?
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 promised 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.
PlayStation boss Jim Ryan recently responded to the PS5 stock situation in an interview with GQ. “I know there were people who wanted a PS5 and could not get one,” he said. “We are very sorry about that and obviously grateful that the demand was as strong as it is.” Ryan added that PlayStation is getting more PS5 units in stock and that fans can expect PS5 shares to increase every month. “We were ruthless trying to increase production, and I really can say no more than that.”
Where to buy a PS5: check availability
We will continue to update this manual as PS5 units are offered for sale. You can see the direct list of retailers and the latest stock information at major retailers below. According to the tips above, keep in mind whether you are willing to buy an expensive bundle or pay above the MSRP for the PS5 itself, as third-party sellers like StockX are also options. However, we recommend waiting to buy the PS5 at MSRP (and not hundreds above the price).
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 go through it.
PS5 availability at GameStop
There’s a major PS5 recharge at GameStop on February 24, with both the PS5 and PS5 Digital available on their own and in bundles. The bundles managed to stay in stock longer than we’ve seen before, and this was the biggest PS5 drop we’ve seen on GameStop so far this year. There is no word on when the next PS5 reload may be at GameStop.
PS5 availability at Walmart
Walmart last had the PS5 and PS5 Digital in stock on March 4th. It was the first large stock at the dealer in about a month.
PS5 availability at Best Buy
Best Buy’s last stock PS5 was on March 5th. Best Buy had no stock on store shelves throughout the holiday season, but the retailer said consoles will be available in stores by 2021. We suggest contacting your local Best Buy. save in case of availability.
PS5 availability at Target
Target’s most recent inventory was on February 25th. Both the PS5 and PS5 Digital were available, but they sold out very quickly. We still recommend that you call your local stores for availability. This is only the third 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 March 3rd. We first saw the PS5 Digital in stock and disappeared within minutes.
Where to buy PS5 accessories
Although the Pulse 3D wireless headset has been difficult to buy for several months, stock for Sony’s first party headset has now stabilized at most retailers. However, there are some fantastic third-party PS5 headsets that are worth considering. 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 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 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.