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PS5 stock updates: where to buy a PlayStation 5

May 24, 2021 , , , , , , , , , ,

Finding PS5 stock remains as difficult as ever, but after a particularly dry April, things have improved this month. Ok, stock still sells out straight away, but we're at least seeing a few drops a week, even if the retailer pattern is still a bit on the unpredictable side. 

For your best chances to buy a PS5, be sure to check out our retailer links below as often as you can. In the US, most of the action seems to happen Wednesday through Friday. Apart from that one time Amazon unleashed a batch one Sunday at 3am back in April. In the UK things are even more unpredictable, but weekends are the quietest.

We're hoping Sony has been working on producing larger batches to get to retailers rather than the unsatisfying dribble we've had so far this year, which could go some ways to explaining why April was the worst month yet for anyone trying to find PS5 stock.  

There is of course the recurring problem of the global shortage of semi-conductors, a crucial component for the PS5 and just about every in-demand electronic device on the planet (and smart fridges). That's right, every time someone buys a fridge that tells them they don't have milk, a child's dream of getting a PS5 dies a little. It's better than the parallel parking issue in the Suez canal at least.

We're here to help you buy a PS5 though. This regularly updated PS5 stock guide will let you know which stores you should be checking as often as you can along with letting you know what sort of form they have for getting the PlayStation 5 in stock.

We've gone into greater detail further down the page, but if you want to see where you're most likely to be able to buy a PS5 in the US, we've got the links below.

We'd always advise going with stores sticking to the regular prices rather than giving in to the scalpers on online auction sites. Yes, the PS5 is lovely, but it's not worth paying over a grand for one. The only reason we'll show you something over the basic asking price of the PS5 is if has some bundled extras, but as our lonely PS5 bundles page would attest, we'd just concentrate on trying to find the console on its own for now.

If you're able to bag one, be sure to head on over to our best PS5 accessories and best PS5 headsets guides to complete your setup.

Where to buy a PS5: check these stores for stock

Let's have a closer look at some retailers below. We'll let you know what they've been up to lately and how likely they are to get PS5 stock back any time soon.

Were to buy PS5 - USA

Amazon - last PS5 stock seen April 24
Amazon hadn't unleashed a PS5 restock since January until one super late night in April when it put units online around 3am on a Sunday. There's been nothing since sadly and we still think those near-mythical 46,000 units are lurking somewhere. Odd are there will be some Prime Day PS5 deals towards the end of June at the very least. While you wait though, keep checking those links! Remember though, a PS5 should be $499 and the Digital Edition is $399, so don't get caught out by third-party listings that often appear.

Best Buy - last PS5 stock seen May 13
 We hadn't seen a PS5 restock from Best Buy for over a month and then the store surprised us with a drop yesterday afternoon. Before taking that month-long break, Best Buy had made a habit of dropping stock on Friday, so it'll pay to be on your toes around the week now we reckon. Buying a PS5 at Best Buy remains an online-only affair though, so there's not much point asking in-store.

Walmart - last PS5 stock seen May 20
The traditional Thursday PS5 restocks might well be back folks. After taking a break since mid-April, Walmart finally rejoined the  PS5 party yesterday. Maybe this is the May turnaround we've been waiting for. Sometimes you'll see a time on the listing page when PS5 stock is set to go live on the day. If you just miss out, stick around as it usually updates with another time shortly after for a second or third resupply the same day.

If you fancy giving Walmart Plus a go for free right now by the way, for free speedy delivery, discounted fuel, and other benefits, there's currently a 15-day free trial.

GameStop - last PS5 stock seen May 19
 Things are picking up at GameStop with PS5 stock seemingly coming in once a week on a regular basis recently. Wednesdays or Thursdays seem to be your best bet. Bundles are often available, so if you spot any you like, dive in as they sell out (slightly) slower than solo consoles.

Target - last PS5 stock seen April 28
Buying a PS5 at Target has been a bit random in 2021. Unlike other stores above, PS5 stock seems to vary by zipcode but Wednesdays or Thursday seems to be the day it happens with some consistency. That being said, it's often super early at around 6-10am ET (very much unfair for west coast people). Keep checking in your area as you might get lucky and not have as much competition as other stores that sell nationally. You might have to pick it up from the store though with some Target PS5 listings.

12-month PS Plus subscription (US) | $59.99 $37.89 at CDKeys
PlayStation Plus is an essential extra for your new PS5 as you need it to play online. It also bags you a bunch of free games each month, plus access to a selection of classic PS4 games playable on PS5. And remember, it can be stacked on top of your existing membership. Save £6 in the UK and get it for £43.99.

Were to buy PS5 - UK

Amazon
Various Amazon websites in mainland Europe have had stock recently, so we're thinking a PS5 stock drop could be UK-bound at any moment. Keep trying your luck as Amazon hasn't had anything for a while, so the next shipment could be a big one.

Very
Very has been quiet for PS5 stock since March. When it does get it, there's often an online rolling queue which perhaps gets around the scalper bots problem, giving more genuine buyers a shot at finding the PS5 in stock. Note: Very often deletes the PS5 product listing page when out of stock, so you might have to search manually for the PS5 on the site.

Currys
The Currys website has been one of the best in the UK as far as bricks and mortar stores adapting to online go and it's been a regular on our PS5 stock alerts over the last few months. It often gives people a heads-up on when the next chance to buy a PS5 online will be, although we're not massive fans of having to join a digital queue on the busier days (get yourself signed in and everything in advance folks next time stock is coming), we'll keep you updated here next time that's announced too. Currys has also just launched an online PS5 ballot system for a chance to buy one in person, so that's a hat more than worth throwing your name into if you're tired of the search.

Argos
Calling all you night owls, Argos might be your best store to buy a PS5 from while stock is this bad nationwide. That's because the store tends to put stock online in the middle of the night, often around 3 or 4am. There's very little, if any, warning ahead of time too. We often check out the PS5 stock rumor mill first thing on Twitter in the morning and have seen plenty of threads from frustrated day walkers, although nothing so far this week.

Another item you might want to pick up once you've been able to buy a PS5 is one of the options on our best PS5 external hard drives page to increase your storage capacity. Or if you've got the need for speed, the best PS5 SSD might be worth a look.

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