Sony’s PlayStation 5 console has been around for more than three months, but stock shortages mean that a multitude of gamers are still looking for a console.
The next-generation machine has been very popular since its launch on November 12, and retailers have yet to get a steady supply. Instead, consoles fall into small groups, often without warning, and many are bought up by scalpers.
As 2020 draws to a close, one expert said Newsweek he predicted that shortages could last months – a prediction that appears to be accurate.
Yet some drops do occur at some retailers, including Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon, although they remain sporadic and unpredictable. Many gamers have now turned to Twitter accounts dedicated to tracking consoles and watching news, including @ PS5StockAlerts, @ PS5StockNews and @ TargetRestockAlerts.
As previously reported, PlayStation 5 consoles refurbished at Walmart and Amazon again on Thursday, but sold out quickly. Here are the latest updates from Sunday 21 March.
Walmart
The PlayStation 5 disc and digital editions were both currently out of stock on the site, with no official news on when they will return. The DualSense Wireless Controller ($ 64.87) was in stock and available for delivery at the time of writing. The HD camera add-on and the Pulse 3D wireless headphones also appear to be in stock.
The website says about the PS5 stock if available: “Only available with contactless Drive Up or order recording. Quantities limited. Limit 1 per guest.” According to tracker @ PS5StockAlerts, Walmart previously listed the PS5 consoles on March 18th.
Check PS5 shares at Walmart.
Target
The PS5 and digital edition were both out of stock at the time of writing, with no official news on when they will return to the retailer. The DualSense Wireless Controller ($ 69.99) was in stock at the time of delivery. The HD camera add-on, Pulse 3D wireless headphones and media remote were apparently in stock.
Check PS5 shares at Target.
Amazon
The PS5 and digital edition were at the time unavailable, and no official news on when they will return to the retail giant’s website. A disclaimer on the website reads: “We do not know when and if it will be back in stock.”
Check out PS5 stock at Amazon.
Best buy
The PS5 and the digital edition – and bundles of both – were at the time it was out of stock, and no official news on when they would return. The DualSense Wireless Controller ($ 69.99) was currently in stock and available for delivery. The HD camera add-on, Pulse 3D wireless headphones and media remote both appear to be in stock. According to @ PS5StockNews, consoles were previously listed on March 19th.
Check out PS5 stock on Best Buy.
Sony Direct
Some consoles were unexpectedly popped up via Sony’s own website, but the PS5 and digital edition were at the time it was not in stock, and no official news from the company when they will return to the website.
Check PS5 inventory at PS Direct from Sony.
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Charly Triballeau / AFP / Getty