The PS5 is currently in stock at major retailers, but availability changes by location and seller
The PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020 and has been in production ever since. Unlike the first few years after launch, when consoles were extremely hard to find, you can now purchase a PS5 from most major electronics retailers without waiting months. Stock levels vary by week and by retailer — some weeks you'll find them readily available, other weeks they sell out quickly — but the days of the console being impossible to obtain are over.
You have two hardware versions to choose from: the standard PS5 with a disc drive, and the PS5 Digital Edition, which has no disc drive and is slightly smaller. Both play the same games. The disc version costs more but lets you buy physical game copies and trade them in. The Digital Edition is cheaper but requires you to read all games from the PlayStation Store.
Key Takeaways
- The PS5 is manufactured and sold continuously; you can purchase one from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and GameStop without a pre-order in most weeks.
- The standard PS5 with a disc drive and the PS5 Digital Edition (no disc drive) are both available, with the Digital Edition priced lower.
- Stock changes week to week and varies by location, so checking multiple retailers increases your chances of finding one in stock nearby.
- Authorized resellers like GameStop and Best Buy are safer than third-party marketplace sellers, which sometimes ship used or refurbished consoles as new.
Where to buy a PS5 right now
The major retailers that stock PS5 consoles are Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and GameStop. All of these sell both the standard disc version and the Digital Edition. Stock at each retailer changes throughout the week — some restock on specific days, while others add inventory as it becomes available.
Best Buy and GameStop often have the most consistent stock because they are dedicated electronics retailers. Target and Walmart stock them in their electronics sections but may have fewer units on hand. Amazon sells both new consoles from Sony directly and from third-party sellers; if you buy from Amazon, make sure the seller is listed as "Amazon" or "Fulfilled by Amazon" to avoid refurbished units sold as new.
Check each retailer's website directly rather than using price comparison sites, because availability updates faster on the official store pages. If a retailer shows "out of stock," check back the next day — many restock weekly.
Checking stock without visiting stores
You do not need to visit a physical store to learn about a PS5 is in stock. Every major retailer has a product page on their website where you can see current availability for your area. Search "PS5" on the retailer's site, select either the standard or Digital Edition, and the page will tell you whether it is in stock for delivery or in-store pickup.
Some retailers let you set up stock notifications — Best Buy and GameStop both offer this feature. You enter your email address, and they send you a message when the console comes back in stock. This is faster than checking manually multiple times a day.
If you want to pick up in a store rather than wait for delivery, use the "check nearby stores" feature on the retailer's website. Enter your zip code, and it will show you which locations have stock within a certain radius. In-store pickup is often faster than shipping and lets you inspect the box before you leave.
Price and what's included in the box
The PS5 standard edition (with disc drive) typically costs around $500. The PS5 Digital Edition costs around $400. These are the manufacturer's suggested prices, and most authorized retailers stick to them. If you see a PS5 priced significantly higher than these amounts, it is being marked up by a reseller.
Both versions come with one wireless controller, a USB cable, a power cable, and documentation. They do not come with a game — you need to purchase games separately. The console does come with a trial period for PlayStation Plus, Sony's subscription service for online play and monthly free games.
If you want to play disc-based games, you need the standard edition. If you only plan to read games from the PlayStation Store, the Digital Edition saves you $100 and takes up less shelf space.
Avoiding scams and counterfeit consoles
Buy only from authorized retailers: Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Amazon (when the seller is Amazon or Fulfilled by Amazon), and GameStop. These retailers may provide the console is new and covered by Sony's warranty. Avoid Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay third-party sellers, and other private sales unless you can inspect the console in person before paying.
Counterfeit PS5 boxes exist, and some sellers list refurbished consoles as new. The safest protection is to buy from a store with a return policy. Best Buy and Target both allow returns within 15 days if the console is unopened, and within a longer window if there is a defect. GameStop has a similar policy. If you buy from a third-party seller and receive a used or damaged console, you have fewer options to get your money back.
Check the box carefully when you receive it or pick it up. The seal should be intact, and the serial number on the box should match the one on the console itself. If anything looks off, open it at the store or refuse delivery and contact the retailer when ready.
PS5 bundles and bundle deals
Some retailers occasionally sell PS5 bundles that include the console, a game, and sometimes extra controllers or a PlayStation Plus subscription. These bundles cost more than buying the console alone, but they can be worth it if you were planning to buy those items anyway.
Bundle availability is less predictable than console-only stock. Retailers use bundles to move inventory when console stock is high, so bundles are more common during slower sales periods. If you see a bundle that includes games or accessories you want, it may be a better deal than buying separately — do the math first to compare the total price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PS5 still being made?
Yes. Sony continues to manufacture the PS5 and has not announced an end date. The console is now in its fourth year of production, which is normal for a gaming console. Stock is stable and widely available, unlike the shortage years of 2020 to 2022.
What's the difference between the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition?
The standard PS5 has a disc drive and costs around $500. The Digital Edition has no disc drive, costs around $400, and is slightly smaller. Both play the same games. Choose the disc version if you want to buy physical games or trade them in; choose Digital if you only read games from the PlayStation Store.
Can I buy a PS5 online and pick it up in a store?
Yes. Most major retailers offer in-store pickup for online orders. Go to the retailer's website, add the PS5 to your cart, and select "pick up in store" at checkout. You'll choose a nearby location, and the console will be ready within a few hours to a few days depending on the retailer.
Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use the PS5?
You do not need it to play single-player games or use streaming apps. You need PlayStation Plus only if you want to play online multiplayer games or access the monthly free games included with the subscription. The console comes with a trial period, so you can test it before deciding whether to pay for a subscription.
What should I do if the PS5 I received is damaged?
Contact the retailer when ready. If you bought from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, or GameStop, they will replace it or refund you within their return window. Do not open the console if the box is damaged — take photos of the damage and contact customer service with the photos and your order number.