When the PlayStation 5 first launched back in November 2020, it was nearly impossible to get your hands on the highly anticipated console. Despite demand being through the roof, chip shortages heavily cut production — and due to sustained consumer interest, it was a problem that plagued the PS5 for years after launch.
Thankfully, we’re happy to report that those issues have largely been resolved, making it pretty easy to grab a PS5 these days. The launch of the PS5 Pro has ignited another buying frenzy, and with Black Friday coming up, Sony has even cut the price of the base PS5.
While the PS5 is now readily available at any big box tech store or online retailer, we still have some helpful tips that can help you save time and money. Read on for info on the biggest retailers selling the PS5, what you need to know about Digital vs Disc editions, refurbished options, and more.
Before its launch, Sony opened registration for PS5 pre-orders but used a seemingly arbitrary system for inviting consumers to put money toward the console. In essence, you could register to receive an invitation, and if Sony deemed you worthy enough, a link would be emailed to you, guaranteeing you could place money down (for a limited time).
The time for that has come and gone, but you can still purchase the system through PlayStation Direct — when they’re in stock. Fortunately, PS Direct frequently has stock available. The PS5 Pro is even in stock.
Sony now allows users to register to buy a PlayStation 5 system so long as they have a PlayStation Network ID, though, much like the pre-order process, potential buyers are selected at random.
During the initial PS5 launch, Walmart had a system that staggered PS5 restocks, essentially creating a lottery system for people trying to add the console to their shopping carts. Those days are over now, and all editions of the PS5 are readily available. You can have the console shipped to you or order it online and pick it up at the closest Walmart to you. Walmart also offers the ability to buy consoles from third-party sellers, which opens up options — and risks — for cheaper, used systems.
Best Buy is a great choice if you want to add two-year protection through a Geek Squad warranty. This helps cover repairs for things like dust damage, spilled drinks, power surge damage, controller replacements, and other things. It’s a good choice for more boisterous households. Also, financing options are available if you have a Best Buy card.
Target offers a two-year warranty via its Allstate protection plan for $63 but otherwise doesn’t offer any additional deals on PS5 systems. The online store is a good second option since it’s a bit more likely to stay in stock longer than places like Amazon.
Newegg may not be a household name like Target or Best Buy, but the retailer remains a powerhouse in the electronics space. The online store is known for offering steep discounts on everything from computer components to video doorbells. When the PlayStation 5 first launched, Newegg had a lottery system to get one. These days, you can buy them without the added hassle.
At GameStop, you can typically find bundles that come with games, extra DualSense controllers, and accessories, but they sell out quickly. As for the base systems themselves, those are easy to grab right on the retailer’s homepage, or you can stop by your local store. GameStop also offers pre-owned systems, but we don’t advocate buying anything except new when it comes to hardware.
Amazon is today’s go-to online retailer because of its endless stock and its quick shipping times. Amazon has the Standard Edition, the Pro Edition, and some refurbished options.
Acer’s Predator Atlas 8 finally has a US release date and price, several months after the company first showed off the handheld in May. The highlight is the Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip inside, which has been adopted by only a couple of other consoles besides the Atlas 8. This version will go on sale exclusively at Best Buy on November 1 for $1,299.99.
Acer originally said the Atlas 8 would arrive in North America in October, but left pricing open at the time. The launch came amid the ongoing DRAM crunch, which has made memory more expensive across the PC industry and complicated pricing for hardware makers.
Gaming laptops and I have a complicated relationship. One of my first gaming rigs was an Acer Predator that was already outdated when I bought it. I was a broke college kid, and that was the best I could afford. So trying out high-end gaming laptops is always fun. But ASUS' ROG Zephyrus G14 is a lot more than a laptop that can run AAA games. It is portable, so you're not lugging around a 2.5kg machine everywhere you go. It is built well, none of that plastic chassis, and can even function as a normal laptop outside of just gaming.
Google Play is borrowing one of the Nintendo Switch’s most useful little tricks. A new Sidekick tool called Playbacks captures a short clip after something interesting has already happened, sparing players from running a screen recorder throughout an entire game.
Playbacks is part of Google Play Store v53.8 and keeps saved clips on the phone. Google first announced it earlier this month, but the new Play Store update marks its arrival for players. Anyone who has watched a perfect win vanish because the record button came too late already understands the appeal.