Here we will explore the top Sony Playstation 5 Stores with ratings to answer the most asked question, i.e. Where To Buy PS5 online or offline:
If you are having a hard time getting your hands on a brand new PS5, then don’t stress, as you are not alone. It has been an excruciating experience buffering through multiple Sony PlayStation 5 stores for news of fresh PS5 restock, only to be disappointed day after day.
Despite being a major hit right off the bat, with 10 million systems sold, Sony is struggling to meet the console’s global demand.
It’s almost been a year since the PS5 launched and serious manufacturing issues have made getting a PS5 almost impossible. Shady retail practices by entities known as ‘Scalpers’ have also made buying a PS5 very difficult.
Table of Contents:
Where To Buy PS5
These individuals are hoarding consoles only to sell them later at exorbitantly high prices. Hence, it is imperative to practice caution when perusing through an online store hoping to get yourself a PS5.
In their desperation, we’ve seen many gamers fall prey to such unethical practices. It is important to not fuel such behavior as it sets a bad precedent that can ruin the gaming retail market.
This article will list down a few legit stores that you can count on to buy a PS5 at a fair price. These stores witness frequent restocks. Monitoring them would help you finally buy the PS5 you’ve been dying to play next-generation games on.
Pro-Tips:
- Look for online stores with immense goodwill backing their reputation. Stay away from shady online stores that you’ve never heard of before.
- Read the reviews and testimonials underneath the product listing of a popular online store to know what past customers are saying about their purchase experience.
- Do your research on the new console. Understand what accessories you get with the game. Understand what the digital edition and the disc edition each truly cost, so you are not duped into buying from a scalper above retail price.
- Look for shorter delivery times. Because of high demand and low supply, restocks vanish in the blink of an eye. There are stores out there listing delivery times as high as 30 days! Be patient and only look for stores that can get your PS5 delivered within a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q #1) Will PS5 be available in stores?
Answer: Eventually, yes, PS5 will be available in stores for purchase. If you are having trouble finding an in-stock PS5, then you are not alone. New PlayStation 5 restocks are selling out within minutes. People desperate for the new console are left to ponder ‘Where to Buy PS5’ and when they’ll be able to buy it.
One reason Sony is struggling to meet demands is because of a global semiconductor shortage. This chip is essential in manufacturing a PS5. Another well-known reason behind supply challenges has been ‘Scalpers’ hoarding consoles only to resell them way above the original price.
Q #2) What is the best store to buy PS5?
Answer: Most gamers rely on the following stores to get updates on fresh PS5 restocks. These stores have witnessed intermittent bursts of restocks ever since the PS5 launched in November of last year.
- PS5
- Best Buy
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- GameStop
Q #3) Can you pre-order a PS5 at Game Stop?
Answer: Yes, you can pre-order your PS5 at not only Game Stop but other online retail stores tasked with selling PS5 consoles as well. In fact, this is a guaranteed way to get a PS5 delivered straight to your doorstep as soon as they are in stock again. You can pre-order at GameStop via their website, mobile app, or by visiting any of their 3300 physical stores across the US.
Q #4) How much is a PS5?
Answer: There was much speculation around the PS5’s cost ahead of its launch. Gamers thought this would be Sony’s costliest offering yet. Fortunately, the price eventually revealed was reasonable and welcomed by all fans alike.
The PS5 with a disc drive will cost you $499. On the other hand, the digital edition without a disc drive will cost you around $399. You get a complimentary DualSense Wireless Controller along with the console.
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Q #5) Is PS5 worth buying?
Answer: The PS5 has been a major upgrade from its predecessor, possessing features and specs that promise an unprecedented gaming experience to players. The console comes with an ultra-high-speed SSD that more or less eliminates load times for a seamless gaming session.
PS5 games support 4K resolution, thus allowing players to experience their games on huge 4k TV.
It also features Ray Tracing technology, which incorporates true-to-life shadows and reflections into the gameplay. The console can run games at up to 120 fps. There are tons of PS5 exclusive titles like ‘Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart’, ‘Returnal’ and the upcoming ‘God of War’ sequel to look forward to.
List of Sony Playstation 5 Stores to Buy PS5
Here is the list of popular stores to buy PS5 for the US Audience:
- Amazon
- Sony PS5 Store
- Best Buy
- Walmart
- Target
- GameStop
Comparing Best Stores to Buy PS5
| Name | Store type | Shipping Charges | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Online Only | Free Shipping |  |
| Sony PS5 Store | Online and Offline | Standard Shipping - $12.99, Express Shipping - $19.99 |  |
| Best Buy | Online and Offline | Free Shipping | |
| Walmart | Online and Offline | Free Shipping | |
| Target | Online and Offline | Free for Standard Delivery, $9.99 for same-day delivery. | |
| GameStop | Online and Offline | Free Shipping | |
Best online/offline stores to buy PS5:
#1) Amazon
Store Type – Online only.
Amazon being an eCommerce giant, would occupy a position on this list. Amazon has experienced intermittent PS5 restocks in recent months, with the last restock happening on July 21st. Of course, the console sold out within minutes. It was surprising that Amazon released a small stock of PS5 right after their prime day sale ended.
Nevertheless, the console still sold out. PS5 drops here are completely random. Restocks are happening without prior notice. Amazon is also festering with ‘Scalpers’ who are currently selling the console as high as $1000 on the site.
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A PS5 should not cost more than $499. Although the existence of ‘Scalpers’ on this platform is disappointing, it still is the first option among gamers to get their PS5 from.
Key Takeaways:
- Fast delivery
- Multiple payment options
- Free shipping
- Verified customer reviews and testimonials.
Verdict: During our research, we were surprised to find a Scalper-listed PS5 ranked above legitimate dealers online. Currently, such listings seem to be the only way of getting a PS5 from Amazon.
However, if one can only exercise some patience, you will notice random PS5 restocks more frequently on Amazon. If you can be a smart consumer, Amazon is still the most convenient online store to get a gaming console from.
Shipping Charges: Free Shipping
#2) Sony PS5 Store
Store Type – Online and offline.
Sony’s official store for all things PS5 is the most legitimate place to buy a PS5. This is naturally the first place where PS5 consoles will be restocked before other retail stores place their listings. The best thing about this store is the complete absence of ‘Scalpers’. As this is Sony’s official store, there are no middlemen here to exploit you.
We like the modern, white interface. Placing your order and making payments is also very simple. It is important to note that shipping charges will apply if you are purchasing from this site. You have the option to choose from Standard Shipping and the relatively more expensive Express Shipping option.
PlayStation Plus Members are exempt from paying these charges.
Key Takeaways:
- Easy checkout and payment.
- Fast delivery within 1-2 weeks.
- Shipping charges are applicable unless you are a PlayStation Plus member.
- Pre-orders are available.
Verdict: It gets no more reliable than Sony’s very own site to buy a PS5. You avoid ‘Scalpers’ trying to dupe gamers virtually everywhere else, and can enjoy peace of mind knowing your PS5 will be delivered to your doorstep by a legitimate Sony licensed retailer near you.
Shipping Charges: Standard Shipping – $12.99, Express Shipping – $19.99
Website: Sony PS5 Store
#3) Best Buy
Store Type – Online and offline.
Despite flying under the radar in recent years, Best Buy still enjoys a massive reach across the US. Just a few months ago, you could expect Best Buy stores to alert their customers on PS5 restocks on a Thursday or Friday.
Lately, however, they’ve been dropping PS5 listings randomly. They’ve been opening their PS5 shop randomly to customers with drops happening sometimes on a Monday or even on weekends.
There are a variety of PS5+Game bundles available at their store. You can create your custom bundles as well. Best Buy offers free shipping. Alternatively, the online store also informs you of the presence of a physical Best Buy store, wherein you can buy the PS5 immediately.
We found some scalpers on this site, but as long as you know what the fair PS5 price is, you will be safe.
Key Takeaways:
- Free shipping.
- Smart physical store locator.
- Create custom PS5 console + games bundle.
- Easy checkout and payment.
Verdict: Best Buy has been facing tough competition lately from popular online stores like eBay and Amazon. However, it would be foolish to deny the reach it has across the United States, thus making it one of the most convenient places to look for a PS5. Keep an eye out as the store has been dropping PS5 listings randomly since last month.
Shipping Charges: Free shipping
Website: Best Buy
#4) Walmart
Store Type – Online and offline.
It has become a tradition of sorts to have PS5 restocks almost every Thursday in both Walmart’s online and offline stores. They inform their customers of potential restocks in advance by mentioning the time when PS5 stocks will go live on the listing page. If you miss out on the initial sale, try to wait a little while longer for a second or even third resupply on the very same day.
The shipping here is free if you are purchasing a PS5 or any of its accessories. The delivery can take a while if you are going with Walmart’s online store. However, you can enjoy free shipping and faster delivery if you are a Walmart + member. Walmart+ members also enjoy special discounts occasionally as well.
Key Takeaways:
- Easy checkout and payment.
- Special Discounts and Offers for Walmart + Member.
- Smart Walmart store locator.
- Simple and clean UI.
Verdict: You can check in every Thursday to find out whether or not the PS5 is in stock. The store informs you well in advance when the next PS5 sale will be. If you are a Walmart + member, then you might get lucky with some offers and discounts on your PS5 purchase.
Shipping Charges: Free
Website: Walmart
#5) Target
Store Type – Online and offline.
For PS5 restocks, Target has been very chaotic with its schedule. It first began dropping PS5 sales strictly on Wednesdays and Thursdays before suddenly switching to a Friday schedule. Now PS5 drops are extremely random at a Target store.
However, we can still take solace because at least Target is opening its store for PS5 sales, no matter how random the schedule is.
It is advisable to monitor Target’s store from 6 to 10 AM ET. Most restocks go live at 6 and immediately sell out. The restock will also depend on where exactly in the US you are. Simply enter your zip-code on the store to know of a potential PS5 restock happening at a Target store near you. 2-day delivery is free when purchasing from Target.
However, additional charges will apply if you want your PS5 delivered on the same day.
Key Takeaways:
- Instantly locate a Physical Target store near you.
- Free shipping for 2-day delivery.
- Occasional discounts are available on PS5 accessories and games.
- Comprehensive checkout and payment on online store and app.
Verdict: Buying a PS5 from Target can be very simple if you can keep up with its random restock schedule. We also didn’t notice any listings from ‘Scalpers’ on their online store. You can choose to get the PS5 delivered to your home or schedule a Store pickup if a Target store is near you.
Shipping Charges: Free for standard delivery, $9.99 for same-day delivery.
Website: Target
#6) GameStop
Store Type – Online and offline
GameStop is the only store we know of that has been experiencing frequent PlayStation 5 restocks recently. You can expect restocks to happen at GameStop’s online and offline stores at least once each week. Wednesdays and Thursdays seem to be the most likely days to find an in-stock PS5 console at GameStop.
The store also features PS5 bundles as well. Your best bet would be to buy these bundles as they sell out at a slower rate than single consoles. GameStop has been a reputable gaming exclusive store since its inception. Hence, you will not find any ‘Scalpers’ here who are selling you a PS5 for more than what it’s worth.
Key Takeaways:
- Book store pick-ups.
- Free 2-4 day console delivery.
- Pre-order is available.
- Sale second-hand gaming consoles and accessories.
- Participate in contests to win discounts and special deals
Verdict: GameStop has been a safe haven of sorts for gamers ever since its inception decades ago. It is the best place to find PS5 today as it happens to be the only store right now that is enjoying weekly PS5 restocks. The delivery is fast, there are no shipping charges, and the store does not entertain ‘Scalpers’.
Shipping Charges: Free
Website: GameStop
Conclusion
When PS5 was announced, everybody expected to have their consoles home delivered to them on the very first day of launch. Sadly, reality tells a different tale. The global shortage of a key manufacturing chip and nuisance caused by scalpers has made it difficult for Sony to meet the high demand for their flagship gaming console.
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Fortunately, the above stores have been experiencing frequent PS5 restocks. Sony has also announced steps to combat the malpractices happening on the ground. If this momentum continues, then we can hope to see all PlayStation fans owning a PS5 by the end of this year.
Now to answer the question – ‘Where to Buy PS5’, we would recommend you try Sony’s official store to buy a PS5 without having to worry about fraudulent dealers. You can also try Best Buy or GameStop to get your PS5 delivered quickly and free from shipping charges.
Research Process:
- We spent 5 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on which online/offline store to choose to buy a PS5.
- Total PS5 Stores Researched – 11
- Total PS5 Stores Shortlisted – 6