It’s ludicrously difficult to buy a PS5 console right now, unless perhaps you’re willing to get it as part of an overpriced bundle or pay far above the retail price. Since the console’s release last November, it has been consistently sold out everywhere. Right now the only consoles you can buy are marked up to obscene levels at reseller sites like eBay and StockX, often multiple times their retail value (the PS5 typically sells for about $1,000 on eBay, for example). Much of this problem can be attributed to the fact that ordinary users have had to compete with bots and resellers.
Twitter continues to be a source to check for restock news, even though we’re seeing fewer large inventory drops. Instead, retailers seem to be shifting to a policy of smaller, more frequent drops that sell out rapidly and without much online fanfare. It’s also where you can confirm that demand remains at insane levels. Recently, for example, someone posted video of a scene of post-apocalyptical proportions at a PS5 sale at a brick and mortar store in Japan; in comparison to that disaster, it’s probably a good thing that consoles are only available online here in the US.
One bit of good news: Earlier this month at CES Sony confirmed that a number of games, such as Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Little Devil Inside and Solar Ash, are on track for their scheduled release dates in the first half of the year. So if you already have a PlayStation 5 in hand, good times lie ahead. But for the rest of us, inventory remains virtually nonexistent.
The PS5 is available in two versions: There’s a $500 model with Blu-ray and an otherwise identical $400 digital-only version with no disc slot. At this point, people are happy to get their hands on either one, but if you don’t have a library of optical discs — for Blu-ray movies, used games or old PS4 games — CNET recommends you go with the $400 version.
In any event, it’ll be awhile before a PS5 is easy to find. But I’ll be keeping an eye out for restocks nonetheless and will update this article when it looks like you might be able to score a PS5.
- PS5 review: Sony built a space-age game console for your next-gen dreams
- The best PS5 games you’ll need to play
- PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: The next-gen consoles we’re buying and why
Read more at GameSpot: Latest PS5 news and complete coverage
Remember to check back here for news and updates on new PS5 availability. You can also browse all the major retailers to see what their restock status is: The list below has links to the PS5 product pages at each store.
PS5 restock possibilities
Best Buy
Best Buy is offering the PS5 with Blu-ray for $500 as well as 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.
Amazon
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.
Walmart
You can check inventory on 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.
GameStop
GameStop will offer both the $400 Digital Edition (click the button below) as well as the pricier PS5 with Blu-ray for $500. Expect to also be able to buy a full range of PS5 accessories from GameStop like the Pulse 3D wireless headset for $100.
Target
Target will be offering the PS5 with Blu-ray for $500 in addition to the PS5 Digital Edition, which you can find by clicking the button below.
StockX
OK, you’ve exhausted all of the online and brick-and-mortar retailers, and you’ve decided you’re willing to pay upward of a $300 markup to get this puppy soon. As your friends, we have to tell you: Don’t do it. But if you don’t want to listen to us, 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 around $700.
More PS5 coverage
- Why you should save $100 and get the all-digital version of the PS5
- PS5 price, preorder, release date, games, Xbox Series X comparison and more
- PS5 games are $10 more expensive. Is that fair?
Now playing:
Watch this:
PS5 review: full breakdown of all the new features
17:44
First published last year. Regularly updated with the latest PS5 stock news.
CNET’s Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow the Cheapskate on Facebook and Twitter. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals page and check out our CNET Coupons page for the latest promo codes from Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.