How and where to buy a PlayStation 5 at the best price

The PlayStation 5 is still very hard to find and although PS5 restocks arrive quite frequently, they are usually gone by the time you can click the "add to cart" button.

If you are still looking for the Sony console, we are here to help you.

There are a number of helpful tips that will give you the best chance of protecting your PS5, and thanks to the rise of early access specials, you can increase your chances of getting one if you're willing to invest in certain premium memberships.

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Here's where to look for the PlayStation 5, as well as insider tips for navigating the chaotic PS5 retail game and eventually buying a console for home.

PS5 Restock

Most major retailers offer the $499 PS5 and the $399 PS5 Digital Edition, though it tends to become available again at fairly random times, and only in a handful of stores at a time.

We've put together a helpful list of the biggest retailers we've seen PS5 restocks at, which you can find below.

• Amazon: PS5 |

  PS5 digital

• Best Buy in the United States: PS5 |

  PS5 digital

• Walmart: PS5 |

  PS5 digital

• GameStop: PS5 |

  PS5 digital

• New Egg: PS5 |

  PS5 digital

• Adorama: PS5 |

  PS5 digital

• Target: PS5

• Direct from Sony: PS5 |

  PS5 digital

“Best Buy has been the most reliable with PS5 restocks in recent weeks,” says Matt Swider, prominent PS5 restock tracker and founder of The Shortcut shopping newsletter. Swider also notes that GameStop is a reliable option, largely part because the retailer sells the console through expensive bundles that don't sell out as quickly.

While history can tell us which retailers have been most consistent when it comes to offering the PS5, determining when the consoles will be in stock has proven much more complicated.

“Reruns can [happen] pretty much anytime, and that makes tracking these PS5 releases a 24/7 sleepless operation for me,” says Swider.

“Target does early morning replenishments before their East Coast stores open, while Amazon has done surprise 3am EST replenishments before.”

How to get early access in PS5 reruns

Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and GameStop have their own premium memberships, offering perks like free shipping, exclusive discounts, and in some cases, early access to PS5 reruns.

We've seen our fair share of PS5 launches that have been exclusive to Amazon Prime, Walmart Plus, GameStop PowerUp Rewards Pro, and Best Buy Totaltech members for at least the first few hours.

We wouldn't necessarily recommend subscribing to all of these services at once - that will get expensive quickly - but it may be worth a month's membership if you find out about a specific replenishment ahead of time.

And if you shop frequently at any of these retailers, it might be worth checking out their premium memberships for some of the other perks.

Amazon Prime

 – Amazon Prime benefits include fast, free shipping on the vast majority of Amazon items, access to the Prime Video streaming library, and exclusive discounts during major Prime-like events. Day.

Walmart Plus

 – Similar to Amazon Prime, Walmart Plus gives you free shipping on most Walmart products, free grocery delivery from your local Walmart store, and access to exclusive promotions.

You'll also be able to pay directly from your phone when you shop in stores.

GameStop PowerUp Rewards Pro

 – The cheapest option here, PowerUp Rewards Pro lets you earn double points on purchases over non-Pro members, accumulating credit that can then be used towards your next game and purchase. of accesories.

You'll get an instant $10 in points for signing up, as well as a $5 monthly reward to spend as you please.

This membership also includes a subscription to Game Informer magazine.

Best Buy Totaltech

 Best Buy Totaltech is a comprehensive customer care membership that includes benefits like access to 24/7 Geek Squad technical support, up to two years of product protection, and free delivery and installation.

It's worth considering if you buy a lot of hardware at Best Buy, but given its high price, we don't recommend subscribing just to get early access to console updates.

Tips to secure your PS5

While the PS5 usually sells out within minutes of becoming available again, there are a few things you can do to give yourself the best chance of receiving that majestic confirmation email.

Here's some advice for those still on the hunt - note that this advice also applies to those looking for the Xbox Series X.

Avoid other websites and resellers

When you're looking for a PS5, make sure you go with a reputable retailer like the ones we've outlined above.

According to Swider, sites including TechInn and CheapGameCenter appear to be selling the PS5 but are "fraud operations or not fulfilling orders."

You should also avoid buying the console on resale websites like eBay and StockX, where resellers try to sell the PS5 for anywhere from $700 to $1,400.

Follow PS5 resupply trackers and set up Twitter notifications

In our months of tracking PS5, we've found Twitter to be the most reliable and immediate source of PS5 resupply information.

That's because the likes of Swider and popular gaming account Wario64 track PS5 restocks on a daily basis and will post links to stores currently selling the console the moment it's back in stock.

We recommend subscribing to Twitter notifications when following these accounts (just hit the little bell icon on your profile) so you'll be alerted when the second console becomes available.

Take advantage of the Amazon wish list

One unique trick that has been making the rounds around the web involves adding the PS5 to your Amazon Wish List and then moving it straight into your shopping cart once they're restocked.

Several users have reported having success with this method when the main sale page isn't working, and the folks at Tom's Guide were able to successfully replicate this trick multiple times with Xbox Series X. To add the PS5 to your Wish List, simply click on the "Add to List" icon at the top right of your Amazon listing.

PS5 disc or digital edition?

Once the PS5 resupply happens, which is too rare, you'll have a big decision to make: will you buy the $499 PS5 with a disc drive, or the cheaper $399 Digital Edition?

The consoles are identical, except for one big difference, as the standard PS5 can play physical games and 4K Blu-rays, while the Digital Edition is limited to just digital games and streaming media.

Digital publishing may seem like the obvious choice for those looking to save some money.

However, having a PS5 with a disc drive opens you up to physical games, which generally go on sale more often (and can be bought used) and could end up saving you more money overall in the long run.

You can also trade in any physical PS5 titles you've purchased from places like GameStop and Decluttr.

“PS5 Disc is the easiest to buy and the one I recommend,” says Swider.

In summary

If you're still looking for a PS5, don't give up hope.

The console has become available again quite frequently of late, and while you'll need to be vigilant to secure yours, it's only a matter of time before the pay button really works in your favor.

In the meantime, there are still plenty of great PS4 games to play, including titles like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and Horizon Forbidden West, which will automatically update to their PS5 versions once you buy your new console.