The news regarding PS5 availability has been bleak for months, but there are hints that some inventory might be on its way. Unaffiliated Twitter account @DualSensor — which focuses on PS5 availability — has tweeted that Sony plans to release stock to retailers as early as Jan. 7. We can’t confirm this, and retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have not tweeted that they plan to drop inventory this week, so take that with a grain of salt. But if you’re waiting for a console — and honestly, that’s probably almost all of us — then it might pay to be alert Thursday for restock news.
Dan Ackerman/CNET
Gamers around the world are united in their frustration with Sony and major retailers. Sony’s next-generation console launched in the US back on Nov. 12, but inventory has been no match for demand. The PlayStation 5 sold out more or less instantly. In the weeks since, we’ve seen a number of inventory drops at major retailers, but it seems like few people have actually managed to claim a console since ordinary users have had to compete with bots and resellers. Right now the only consoles you can buy are marked up to obscene price levels on sites like eBay and StockX, often multiple times their retail value of $400 or $500. The console has been otherwise virtually impossible to find, with at least one person waiting in line for 36 hours to snag one at a California GameStop.
Twitter remains a resource for many gamers to check on restock news, but it’s hard to tell how credible that news is. The latest is from the aforementioned @DualSensor — according to the tweet, “Retailers are expecting stock to arrive for orders on the 7th January. If the stock hasn’t arrived by then, we could be waiting until the 12th & 14th for retailers to get stock.” From the context of the tweet, it’s possible it’s specific to UK retailers (the tweet goes on to mention Brexit) but time will tell.
Retailers are expecting stock to arrive for orders on the 7th January.If the stock hasn’t arrived by then, we could be waiting until the 12th & 14th for retailers to get stock due to Brexit and shipments its a bit of a sh*t show. #PS5
— PS5 Stock Central (@DualSensor) January 5, 2021
We’ll be keeping an eye out for restocks, though, and will update this article when it looks like you might be able to score a PS5.
The PS5 is available in two versions: a $500 model with Blu-ray, and an otherwise identical $400 digital-only version without a 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 — we recommend you go with the $400 version.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
