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Where to score a PS5: All you need to know about buying Sony's new gaming console

Finding a PS5 is tricky business, as new consoles are immediately snapped up by keen customers.

Dave Johnson
4 min read

If you've been trying to get your hands on the PlayStation 5 for months -- but still miserably failing -- you're not alone. Even though Sony launched the new console five months ago, it's still extremely hard for anyone to get their hands one. The pandemic and the global chip shortage have definitely contributed to this lack of inventory, but demand for the PS5 has also been sky high. In fact, it was recently named the fastest-selling console in US history

As of April 11, both versions of the PS5 -- the $500 model with Blu-ray and the less expensive $400 digital-only edition with no optical drive -- are out of stock at every major retailer, including Target, Best Buy, Amazon, GameStop and Walmart, but that shouldn't stop you from trying to find one. Those retailers are restocking the PS5 console on a fairly consistent basis.

If you're willing to shell out far more than the sticker price, you can get a PlayStation 5 or PS5 bundle at a reseller like eBay or StockX, but our advice is to wait for PS5 availability at other retailer options. PS5 inventory drops are starting to happen on a more frequent basis, so be sure to check back here often for the latest updates on when retailers might have restocks.

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Andrew Hoyle/CNET

You can monitor PS5 stock updates on your own; Twitter, for example, is a good source for restock rumors. But we occasionally get word directly from retailers and tipsters about upcoming PlayStation 5 console inventory restocks, and we update this post immediately. Again, be aware: It likely could be months before anything approximating normal inventory levels appears in stores, so getting your own PS5 gaming console 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 the video game console's 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.

GameStop offers both the $400 Digital Edition (click the button below) and the pricier PS5 with Blu-ray for $500 (when there is inventory). You should also be able to buy a full range of PS5 accessories from GameStop, like the Pulse 3D wireless headset for $100.

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.

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.

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

This article is regularly updated with the latest PS5 stock news.


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