The PS5 Release Date in the US

The PlayStation 5 launched in the United States on November 12, 2020. Sony released two versions on the same day: the standard PS5 with a disc drive and the PS5 Digital Edition without one. Both versions became available through major retailers, though stock was extremely limited at launch.

The November 12 date applied to most of the country, but some retailers began selling the console a few days earlier through pre-orders or in-store pickup. If you had pre-ordered before launch day, you may have received your console as early as November 10 or 11, depending on your retailer and location.

Key Takeaways

  • The PS5 launched in the United States on November 12, 2020, in both disc and digital versions.
  • Pre-orders started in September 2020, and some retailers began fulfilling them a few days before the official launch date.
  • Stock was severely limited at launch, and consoles sold out within hours at most retailers.
  • The PS5 launched alongside exclusive titles like Astro's Playroom and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

Pre-Order Timeline Leading Up to Launch

Sony announced the PS5's November 12 launch date in September 2020. Pre-orders opened on September 16, 2020, through retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Many retailers' pre-order windows filled up within minutes, making it difficult for consumers to find a console before launch day.

The rush for pre-orders was so intense that several retailers' websites crashed from traffic. If you missed the initial pre-order window, your only option was to try purchasing on November 12 itself, though that proved just as challenging due to limited stock.

Why Stock Was So Hard to Find

The PS5 faced unprecedented demand at launch. The console's powerful hardware, lower price point compared to competitors, and a strong lineup of games created massive interest. At the same time, global supply chain disruptions and manufacturing constraints meant Sony could not produce enough units to meet demand.

Retailers received shipments in waves throughout late 2020 and into 2021. Some people who wanted a PS5 on launch day did not manage to get one until months later. Bots and resellers also bought up available stock, making legitimate purchases even harder to come by during the first year after launch.

Launch Games and What Came With the Console

The PS5 shipped with Astro's Playroom pre-installed on every console. This game served as both a tutorial and a showcase for the PS5's new controller features. It was free and designed to help new owners understand what the console could do.

Other notable games available at or near launch included Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and Demon's Souls. Many PS4 games were also playable on PS5, so owners could play their existing library on the new hardware with improved performance in many cases.

The Two PS5 Models at Launch

Sony offered two versions of the PS5 at launch, both priced the same day but with different features. The standard PS5 included a 4K Blu-ray disc drive and cost $499. The PS5 Digital Edition removed the disc drive and cost $399, making it $100 cheaper for players who preferred to read games instead.

The disc drive version became more popular initially because it offered backward compatibility with PS4 physical games and gave players the option to buy used games or borrow from friends. The Digital Edition appealed to players who had already shifted to downloading games and wanted to save money upfront.

How the PS5 Launch Compared to Previous PlayStation Releases

The PS5's launch was more chaotic than previous PlayStation releases due to the combination of high demand and supply shortages. When the PS4 launched in November 2013, stock was also limited, but the shortage did not last as long or affect as many consumers. The PS5 shortage extended well into 2021 and affected the console's market penetration during its crucial first year.

The PS5 also launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted manufacturing and shipping worldwide. This added another layer of difficulty to getting a console in the weeks and months after November 12, 2020. By contrast, earlier PlayStation launches occurred during more stable supply chain conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a PS5 at the original launch price?

The PS5 still retails for the same price it did at launch: $499 for the disc version and $399 for the Digital Edition. However, you will find it at standard retailers now rather than through limited pre-orders. Availability is much better than it was in 2020 and 2021.

What if I missed the November 2020 launch?

You can purchase a PS5 from major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon without pre-ordering. Stock is no longer scarce like it was at launch. You can walk into stores or order online and receive the console within days in most cases.

Are PS4 games playable on the PS5?

Most PS4 games work on PS5, and many run faster or with better graphics. A small number of PS4 games are not compatible, but Sony maintains a list of these titles on its website. You can play PS4 discs on the standard PS5 or read PS4 games from your library on either model.

What is the difference between the disc and digital PS5?

The disc version plays physical games and Blu-ray movies; the Digital Edition does not. Both have the same processor and graphics power. Choose the disc version if you own PS4 games or want to buy used games; choose Digital if you read everything and want to save $100.