Current PS5 prices at major retailers

A PlayStation 5 costs $499 for the standard model with a disc drive, and $399 for the Digital Edition without one. These are the official prices set by Sony, and they are what you will see at major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Prices do not vary much between retailers—they tend to stay at or very close to the manufacturer's suggested price.

The disc drive model lets you play physical games, movies, and older PS4 discs. The Digital Edition is smaller and cheaper, but you can only buy and read games from the PlayStation Store. Neither version includes games in the box, so budget separately for software.

Stock levels change frequently. If a retailer is out of stock, you may see the console listed as unavailable rather than at a different price. Some retailers occasionally bundle the PS5 with extra controllers, games, or PlayStation Plus subscriptions, which changes the total cost but not the console price itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard PS5 with a disc drive costs $499, and the Digital Edition costs $399.
  • Games are sold separately and typically cost $60 to $70 each at launch.
  • PlayStation Plus subscriptions range from $60 to $120 per year depending on the tier you choose.
  • Used PS5 consoles from resellers may cost less than new ones, but come without manufacturer warranty.
  • Retailers occasionally bundle the console with controllers or games, which raises the total price but may offer better value if you were planning to buy those items anyway.

What you need to budget beyond the console price

The $499 or $399 gets you the hardware only. Games cost extra—new releases typically run $60 to $70 each. If you want to play online multiplayer, you will need a PlayStation Plus subscription, which costs $60 per year for the Essential tier, $120 per year for Extra, or $180 per year for Premium. The Extra and Premium tiers include access to a library of games, so they may reduce what you spend on individual titles.

You may also want a second controller (the console comes with one), a charging dock, a headset, or a PlayStation VR2 headset if you are interested in virtual reality games. None of these are required, but they add to the total investment. A second DualSense controller costs around $75.

Where to find PS5 consoles in stock

Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target are the most reliable places to check. All four maintain regular stock, though availability varies by day and region. Best Buy's website shows stock status by location, so you can check whether your nearest store has one before you go.

PlayStation Direct (the official Sony store) also sells consoles directly, sometimes with priority access for PlayStation Plus members. Checking there first can save you a trip if other retailers are out of stock in your area.

Avoid paying significantly more than $499 or $399. If a third-party seller on Amazon or eBay is charging $600 or more, you are paying a markup. The console is widely available at the official price, so there is no reason to overpay.

Used and refurbished PS5 consoles

Used PS5 consoles from resellers like GameStop, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace may cost $350 to $450, depending on condition and whether they come with controllers or games. Refurbished consoles sold by retailers or Sony directly are usually cheaper than new ones and come with a limited warranty, though not the full manufacturer coverage.

The trade-off is that used consoles have no warranty unless the seller offers one, and you cannot return them to the original retailer if something goes wrong. If you buy used, inspect the console in person if possible, ask the seller how long they owned it, and check whether all cables and controllers are included.

PS5 price history and whether prices will drop

Sony raised the PS5 price from $499 to $499 (disc) and $399 (digital) in 2022, then kept it at that level. The console launched in 2020 at the same $499 price point. Unlike older PlayStation models, the PS5 has not seen a significant price cut since release, even as the console has been on the market for several years.

Whether the price will drop depends on when Sony releases a new console generation. Historically, PlayStation consoles stay at their launch price for 5 to 7 years before discounts appear. There is no announced PS6 release date, so the PS5 is likely to stay at $499 and $399 for the foreseeable future.

Comparing the disc and digital models

The disc model costs $100 more but lets you buy used games, borrow games from friends, and play physical media. It is also larger and takes up more shelf space. The digital model is smaller and cheaper, but every game must be purchased new from the PlayStation Store, and you cannot resell or trade games.

If you already own PS4 discs and want to play them, you need the disc model. If you prefer digital downloads or do not own physical media, the Digital Edition saves money upfront. Over time, the disc model may save money if you buy used games, since used digital games do not exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a PS5 cheaper if I wait?

Not likely in the near term. The PS5 has held its $499 and $399 prices since 2022. Price cuts usually happen 5 to 7 years after a console launches, and there is no announced PS6 release date. If you want to play now, waiting will not save you money.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to play games?

You need PlayStation Plus Essential ($60 per year) to play online multiplayer games. Single-player games work without a subscription. The Extra and Premium tiers cost more but include access to hundreds of games, which may be worth it if you play a wide variety of titles.

What is the difference between the disc and digital PS5?

The disc model ($499) plays physical games, movies, and PS4 discs. The digital model ($399) is smaller and cheaper but only plays games downloaded from the PlayStation Store. Choose the disc model if you own physical media or want to buy used games; choose digital if you prefer downloads and do not need physical media.

Is it safe to buy a used PS5?

Yes, if you buy from a reputable seller and inspect the console in person. Check that all cables and controllers are included, ask how long the seller owned it, and test it before you leave. Avoid sellers who cannot let you test it or who will not answer questions about its history.

Will the PS5 price drop during sales events like Black Friday?

Rarely. The PS5 usually stays at $499 and $399 even during major sales. Retailers sometimes bundle it with games or controllers instead of discounting the console itself. If you see a significant discount, verify that it is from an authorized retailer and not a third-party seller marking up the price.