The console has been almost impossible to buy ever since launch, though it’s slowly getting easier to find. While stock still sells out faster than retailers can supply it, it’s also re-appearing faster than ever. We had hoped that the PS5 would become readily available by the beginning of 2023, but that hasn’t happened. Re-stocks are rolling out regularly, but they’re still sporadic, so you’ll have to be alert if you hope to buy a console any time soon. We’re listing all the retailers offering the new console, along with pricing and availability – we’ll be doing our best to keep up to date as new stock comes in so stay tuned, and for more on the console, take a look at our PS5 review.
How much does the PlayStation 5 cost?
The PS5 is available in two models. The standard PS5 costs $499/£479, while the cheaper Digital Edition without a Blu-ray drive costs $399/£389 – note that those UK figures are £30 higher than they used to be thanks to a price increase, though luckily US customers haven’t been affected. If you’re not sure which to buy, check out our PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition comparison for a more detailed breakdown of the differences.
Where to buy the PS5
PS5 consoles sell out almost instantly, and the same happens every time the console goes back in stock. To buy one right now, you’ll have to be lucky and act fast. You can also sign up to buy a PS5 directly from Sony’s PlayStation Direct store. Previously only available for US customers, this is now also open to fans in the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The company only has a “limited amount” of consoles available, and you’ll have to sign up with your PSN ID and hope that you get an email back with instructions on how to purchase a console. As of right now, the console itself doesn’t appear to be in stock anywhere else. Shortages are likely to continue for most of this year, as the PS5 is just one part of a larger industry-wide chip shortage that Sony itself said would continue to bottle-neck production through all of last year, though hopefully we’re through the worst of it now. Still, stock keeps popping up briefly at various retailers, so it’s worth continuing to check often. Here are some US retailers to try: And here are good UK options: There are also independent sellers on eBay auctioning the PS5, though we’d advise going through standard retailers if at all possible to avoid potential complications – and exorbitant prices. Another marketplace auctioning site StockX is also selling the PS5, but again we’d advise going through standard sellers for the same reasons we advise against buying from no-name sellers on eBay. In the UK, BT and EE both make the console available to their customers, though stock is just as limited as elsewhere. BT customers can order the PS5 via their MyBT account, while EE customers can order the PS5 and split the cost on their monthly mobile plan. The payment will be divided into 11 interest-free installments via EE’s Add to Plan service. Since not everyone can take advantage of these offers, BT and EE customers should check stock regularly for new availability.
When will the PS5 be back in stock?
Unfortunately it’s difficult to predict exactly when more stock will appear, and it often appears at short notice, so the best bet is to keep an eye on all the retailers, and sign up for as many stock alerts as possible. It’s also worth noting that it’s been reported that there is less stock for the PS5 Digital Edition than the regular PS5, with the ratio apparently as high at 80:20 at some stores. That means you should be prepared to pay more for the standard console if you can afford it, as you might have a better chance of securing one. If you’re lucky enough to grab a console, here’s our guide to turning the PS5 off. No, really – it’s harder than you’d think. You might also like our advice on how to reset your old PS4 before ditching it, how to play PS4 games on PS5 and, with such limited storage space on offer, here’s how to delete games on PS5 too – or install a PS5 SSD if you decide to upgrade instead. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you buy some of the best PS5 games to play on your new hardware. If you want to brighten things up, then here’s where to buy the official PS5 console covers and the colourful DualSense controllers. Tech Advisor’s Deputy Editor, Dom covers everything that runs on electricity, from phones and laptops to wearables, audio, gaming, smart home, and streaming - plus he’s a regular fixture on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.
