The PS5 launched in November 2020 and is still in production

The PlayStation 5 came out on November 12, 2020 in the United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. It arrived in the rest of the world on November 19, 2020. Sony is still manufacturing the console, so you can buy a new PS5 today — though availability and price depend on where you shop and which model you choose.

There are two versions: the standard PS5 with a disc drive, and the PS5 Digital Edition without one. The standard model costs $499.99 and plays physical games and movies. The Digital Edition costs $399.99 and requires all games to be downloaded. Both play the same games and use the same online service.

Key Takeaways

  • The PS5 launched in November 2020 and remains available for purchase from major retailers, though stock levels vary by location and model.
  • The standard PS5 with a disc drive costs $499.99; the Digital Edition without a disc drive costs $399.99.
  • You can check stock at Best Buy, Amazon, Target, Walmart, and GameStop by visiting their websites directly or calling the store.
  • Prices occasionally drop during sales events like Black Friday, but the base price has remained stable since launch.
  • Refurbished and used PS5 consoles are cheaper but come with shorter or no warranty coverage.

Where to buy a PS5 right now

Major retailers stock the PS5 regularly. Best Buy, Amazon, Target, Walmart, and GameStop all carry both the standard and Digital Edition models. Stock changes daily, so the fastest way to find one is to visit the retailer's website and search for "PS5" or call your local store directly.

Best Buy often restocks on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Amazon's stock is unpredictable but moves quickly when available. Target and Walmart restock throughout the week. GameStop carries both new and used models. If you see one in stock online, purchase when ready — inventory sells out within hours.

Some retailers bundle the PS5 with games, controllers, or PlayStation Plus subscriptions. These bundles cost more upfront but can save money if you were planning to buy those items separately.

Price variations and sales

The PS5 standard edition has held at $499.99 since launch. The Digital Edition has remained $399.99. Neither price has dropped permanently, though both models go on sale during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the winter holidays.

During sales, the standard PS5 may drop to $449 or $479, and the Digital Edition may drop to $349 or $379. These discounts are temporary and typically last a few days. Bundles sometimes offer better value than buying the console alone, but compare the bundle price to buying each item separately before committing.

Refurbished and used PS5 consoles

Refurbished PS5 consoles cost $50 to $100 less than new ones. Best Buy, Amazon, and GameStop all sell refurbished models that have been tested and cleaned. These come with a limited warranty — usually 90 days to one year depending on the seller.

Used PS5 consoles from private sellers on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist can be even cheaper, but you have no warranty and no way to verify the console's condition before purchase. If you buy used from a private seller, meet in person, test the console before handing over money, and ask about any problems or repairs.

What comes in the box

A new PS5 includes the console, one DualSense wireless controller, a USB-C charging cable, a power cable, an HDMI cable, and a stand. It does not include any games. You will need to buy games separately or subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium to access a library of titles.

The console requires an HDMI 2.1 cable to support 4K gaming at 120 frames per second, but the included cable works fine for standard 4K at 60 frames per second. If you want to play games from the original PlayStation, PS2, or PS3, the PS5 does not support those discs — only PS4 games work in the disc drive.

PS5 Pro and future models

Sony released the PS5 Pro in November 2024. It costs $799.99 and offers better graphics performance than the standard PS5, with faster processing and improved ray tracing. The Pro plays the same games as the standard PS5 but renders them at higher frame rates or resolution.

The PS5 Pro does not include a disc drive — you must buy one separately for $79.99 if you want to play physical games. If you already own a standard PS5, the Pro is not necessary; most games run well on the original model. The Pro is aimed at players who want the highest visual quality and are willing to pay for it.

How to check if a PS5 is in stock near you

Visit the website of any major retailer and search for "PS5". The product page will show whether it is in stock at your location or available for shipping. Some retailers let you filter by model (standard or Digital Edition) and by availability (in stock today, coming soon, or out of stock).

If a retailer shows "out of stock", check back the next day — many restock on a regular schedule. You can also sign up for stock alerts on Best Buy, Amazon, and Target, which will notify you by email when the PS5 comes back in stock. These alerts are free and can help you catch inventory before it sells out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PS5 still worth buying in 2024?

Yes. The PS5 has a large library of games, plays 4K Blu-ray movies, and will be supported by Sony for several more years. If you want to play current PlayStation games, the standard PS5 is still the best value. The PS5 Pro is only worth buying if you want the highest graphics settings and frame rates.

Can I play PS4 games on the PS5?

Yes. The PS5 plays almost all PS4 games. A small number of PS4 titles are not compatible, but Sony publishes a full list on its website. PS4 games run faster and look better on PS5 than they did on PS4. Games from older PlayStation systems do not work.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to play online?

Yes. PlayStation Plus is required for online multiplayer on most games. It costs $9.99 per month for the basic tier, $14.99 per month for Extra (includes a game library), or $17.99 per month for Premium (includes older PlayStation games). You can play single-player games without a subscription.

What is the difference between the standard PS5 and the Digital Edition?

The standard PS5 has a disc drive and costs $499.99. The Digital Edition has no disc drive and costs $399.99. Both play the same games, but the Digital Edition requires all games to be downloaded. If you own physical PS4 games or movies, you need the standard model.

How long will the PS5 be supported?

Sony typically supports a console for seven to ten years after launch. The PS5 launched in 2020, so you can expect new games and updates through at least 2027 or 2028. The PS5 will not become obsolete for several years.