Current PS5 prices at major retailers

A PlayStation 5 costs $499 for the standard edition 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, Walmart, Target, and Amazon when the console is in stock.

The price difference between the two models comes down to whether you want to play physical game discs or read games only. The disc drive model lets you buy used games, borrow from friends, or use older PS4 discs. The Digital Edition is $100 cheaper but locks you into buying games through the PlayStation Store, where prices are typically the same or higher than physical copies.

Both models come with one wireless controller, a USB-C charging cable, and a power cord. Neither includes a game, so budget separately for software if you want to play on day one.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard PS5 with a disc drive costs $499; the Digital Edition without a disc drive costs $399.
  • These official prices are consistent across major retailers, though availability varies by location and season.
  • The disc drive model lets you play used games and physical media; the Digital Edition requires all games to be downloaded.
  • Games, PlayStation Plus subscriptions, and accessories like extra controllers or headsets cost extra and are not included.
  • Prices occasionally drop during holiday sales or when new stock arrives, but $499 and $399 are the standard retail prices.

Where to buy a PS5 and what to expect

The easiest places to find a PS5 are Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. All four sell both the disc and Digital editions at the official prices. Best Buy often restocks on Tuesdays, and Target sometimes has stock on Wednesday mornings, though this varies by region and changes frequently.

Stock runs out quickly when new shipments arrive, so if you see one in stock online, ordering for in-store pickup is usually faster than waiting for delivery. Some retailers let you check stock at nearby locations before you drive there. If you cannot find one locally, ordering online for home delivery typically takes one to two weeks once the order is placed.

Avoid third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay who are charging significantly more than $499 or $399. Those are scalpers reselling at inflated prices, and you will pay a markup of $50 to $200 or more. Stick with the official retailer listings.

What you will spend beyond the console price

The PS5 itself is $499 or $399, but you will likely spend more once you own it. Games range from $60 to $70 for new releases, though older titles and indie games cost less. If you want to play online multiplayer, you need a PlayStation Plus subscription, which costs $80 per year for the standard tier, or $120 per year for the Extra tier that includes a game library.

An extra wireless controller costs $75. A PlayStation 5 headset runs $100 to $150. A second console for another room or another household member costs another full $499 or $399. None of these are required to use the PS5, but most households end up buying at least one extra controller and a subscription within the first few months.

If you are upgrading from a PS4, you can play many PS4 games on the PS5 at no extra cost, which saves you money on software. Check the PlayStation website for the list of backwards-compatible titles before you sell your old console.

Disc drive vs. Digital Edition: which price makes sense for you

The $100 difference between the two models is worth thinking through before you buy. If you plan to buy physical games, borrow games from friends, or trade in used copies, the disc drive model pays for itself after a few purchases. New games cost the same whether you buy them on disc or read them, but used discs are often $10 to $20 cheaper than the digital version.

The Digital Edition makes sense if you prefer downloading games, do not lend or trade games, and are comfortable with the PlayStation Store's prices. It is also slightly smaller and quieter than the disc model, which matters if your entertainment space is tight or you are sensitive to fan noise.

If you are unsure, the disc drive model is the safer choice. You lose nothing by having the option to use discs, and you keep your options open if your gaming habits change later.

Refurbished and second-hand PS5 prices

A used PS5 from a private seller typically costs $350 to $450 depending on condition, how long the seller has owned it, and whether the original box and cables are included. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp are common places to find these, but you have no warranty and no recourse if the console fails after you buy it.

Sony does not officially refurbish PS5 consoles, so "refurbished" listings you see online are usually from third-party sellers or retailers who have tested a returned unit. These sometimes come with a limited warranty, but prices are usually only $20 to $50 below the new price, so the savings are small.

Buying used is a gamble. If you find a deal and the console works, you save money. If it fails a month later, you are out of luck. New consoles from Best Buy, Walmart, or Target come with a one-year manufacturer warranty, which is worth the extra $50 to $100 for peace of mind.

PS5 price history and whether to wait for a sale

The PS5 launched in November 2020 at $499 for the disc model and $399 for the Digital Edition. Sony has not lowered the official price since then. During Black Friday and holiday sales, some retailers offer small discounts or bundle deals (like a free game or extra controller), but the console itself rarely drops below $450 for the standard model.

If you are waiting for a price cut, you could be waiting a long time. The PS5 is still in high demand, and Sony has no reason to lower the price. Your best bet for savings is to watch for bundle deals during November and December, or to buy a used console if you are comfortable with that risk.

If you want to play PS5 games now, the current price is the price. Waiting for a sale that may not come costs you months of gaming time, and the cost of a few games will quickly exceed whatever discount you might eventually save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PS5 price the same everywhere?

Yes, the official price is $499 for the disc model and $399 for the Digital Edition at all major retailers. Some third-party sellers charge more, but that is markup, not a different official price. Regional pricing outside the United States varies by country.

Do I need to buy PlayStation Plus to use the PS5?

No, you can play single-player games and use streaming services without it. You only need PlayStation Plus if you want to play online multiplayer games. The subscription costs $80 per year for the standard tier.

Can I play PS4 games on a PS5?

Most PS4 games work on PS5, especially if you have the disc drive model. You can insert a PS4 disc and play it, or read a PS4 game you own digitally. Check Sony's backwards-compatibility list to confirm a specific game works before you buy.

What is the difference between the PS5 and PS5 Pro?

Sony released a PS5 Pro in November 2024 at $799, which has more processing power for better graphics in newer games. The standard PS5 at $499 still plays all the same games and will continue to receive new releases for years. The Pro is only worth buying if you have a high-end TV and want the best possible graphics.

Will the PS5 price drop when the next PlayStation comes out?

Possibly, but that is likely years away. PlayStation consoles typically stay on the market for seven to ten years. When a new generation launches, the older model sometimes drops in price, but the PS5 is still the current generation and will be for several more years.