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The big day is rapidly approaching, so can we expect a PS5 restock in time for Christmas? It’s the million-dollar question. Sony’s latest console has been notoriously hard to find since its launch at the end of 2020, and even though it now has a full year under its silicon belt, that scarcity hasn’t changed. Thanks a lot, COVID.
With that in mind, we’ve been dusting off our crystal ball in an effort to see if a PS5 restock (the ultimate gift for gamers) lies in our immediate future. Will there be a Christmas console miracle this December? Here’s everything you need to know.
Christmas PS5 restock – the latest updates
Unfortunately for us, no PS5 restocks have been announced just yet. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen, though. It’s possible that Walmart (opens in new tab) will double dip this week with a drop on Thursday, but a rush of stock for Monday, December 20 is more likely. Meanwhile, Best Buy (opens in new tab) skipped a start-of-the-week drop as per usual so could offer more consoles this Friday, December 17 if previous trends are anything to go by. Basically, keep your eyes peeled and stay alert as we approach the weekend.
In the meantime, don’t miss our best PS5 gifts guide if you want suggestions on what to pair with your new console.
Most likely PS5 restocks this week:
USA: Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Amazon (opens in new tab) | Walmart (opens in new tab) | Sony Direct | GameStop (opens in new tab) | Target (opens in new tab)
UK: Game (opens in new tab) | John Lewis (opens in new tab) | Amazon (opens in new tab) | Very (opens in new tab) | Argos (opens in new tab) | Currys (opens in new tab) | Box (opens in new tab)
Recent PS5 restocks:
- Walmart: PS5 (opens in new tab) | PS5 Digital Edition (opens in new tab) – last seen December 13
- Best Buy: PS5 (opens in new tab) | PS5 Digital Edition (opens in new tab) – last seen online December 6
- Amazon: PS5 (opens in new tab) | PS5 Digital Edition (opens in new tab) – last seen November 27
- Sony: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition – last seen December 13
- GameStop: PS5 (opens in new tab) | PS5 Digital Edition (opens in new tab) – last seen November 29
- Target: PS5 (opens in new tab) | PS5 Digital Edition (opens in new tab) – last seen December 2
- Newegg: PS5 (opens in new tab) | PS5 Digital Edition (opens in new tab) – shuffle previously available September 27
PS5 restocks – which console should you get?
Did you know that there are two kinds of PlayStation 5 to choose from? If you’re unsure of which one to go for, we’ve broken down the differences between them below.
(opens in new tab)PS5 ($499.99) | Check at Amazon (opens in new tab)
This is the ‘normal’ PS5 console, and it’s the one we’d recommend if you’re looking for flexibility or the full next-generation gaming experience. Even though it has the same powerful technology as the Digital Edition seen below, it has one major advantage – a 4K disc drive. That means you can play physical game discs, UHD Blu-rays, and DVDs instead of needing to buy everything digitally via the PlayStation Store (which can be more expensive in the long run).
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
PS5 Digital Edition ($399.99) | Check at Amazon (opens in new tab)
If you want a more streamlined setup and mostly buy games digitally, this cheaper version of the PS5 is perfect. While it doesn’t have a disc drive, it does still offer the same powerful technology and super-fast loading. In essence, your experience will be identical – the only difference being that you’ll need to get everything through the PS Store, which can be more expensive but is very convenient.
Christmas PS5 restock tips
It’s not news to say that PS5 restocks are difficult to come by; the console has been selling out like no-one’s business all year. However, there are some things you can do to tip the odds in your favor.
1. Be patient and refresh the page if the console sells out
This is probably the most useful advice we can give. Retailers often release PS5 stock in waves, so stick around if the system seems to sell out straight away. Hit that refresh button and you may just strike PS5 restock gold.
2. Sign in and get your payment details ready
OK, so this one sounds obvious. But it really is important. Signing in ahead of time and making sure you have your payment details to hand can mean the difference between getting the console and missing it. You see, the weight of traffic can cause sites to crash, glitch, or slow down when a PS5 restock shows up, so being as quick as possible means less chance of needing to start over (at which point the console is probably gone).
3. Prioritize bundles
Consoles by themselves sell out fast, and that’s understandable – they’re the cheapest option. As such, make a beeline for bundles if at all possible. Combo deals with games or the best PS5 accessories (opens in new tab) last longer, so you have a better chance of securing them.
4. Don’t pay more than you have to
Unless you’re investing in a bundle from a retailer you trust, you should never pay more than the standard PS5 price. For a normal PS5 with a disc drive, that’s $499.99 in the USA and £449.99 in the UK. At the other end of the scale, the Digital Edition should cost more than $399.99 in the US or £349.99 for UK shoppers. Some unscrupulous individuals buy the console and resell it at an absurd mark-up that inflates the price well beyond those official MSRPs, and these are a detour into scamsville. Don’t trust them.
5. Keep an eye on social media
This is one of the most useful bits of advice we can give. Stock-tracking Twitter accounts and a fantastic early-warning system when it comes to PS5 restocks, so follow a few for advance warning on when the console might be coming.
Want some discounts on stocking fillers? Be sure to check out these Christmas sales for gamers. If you’d prefer to see what Team Green is up to, don’t forget to drop in on our best Xbox gifts guide either.
