It’s 2022, and gamers are still struggling to get their hands on the elusive PlayStation 5 console. Despite launching in late 2020, this next-generation Sony hardware continues to experience delays, and stock only reaches retailers in dribs and drabs. Savvy shoppers are quick to snap up available stock, and so you do have to act quickly to get your hands on one:
The good news is that it’s possible to find a PS5 at short notice. However, you will need to be proactive with your searching by following these steps to score a PlayStation 5 console sooner rather than later. Here’s what you can do:
Ask in Store
Many Reddit and social media users claim to have found PS5 consoles by simply asking in store. This could work one of two ways: A retailer just got the console in stock and had yet to announce it, or a customer failed to pick up a pre-order, opening the console to first come first serve.
EB Games, for example, only holds pre-orders for one to seven days, depending on a customer’s EB World membership level. After that, the product is given to the next pre-order or goes to a shopper who takes the initiative and asks in store.
Get Smartphone Alerts
Reddit, Twitter and OzBargain all have active threads where users provide almost daily updates on available PS5 stock. You can check them out and follow along here:
Ozbargain has an option in Settings where you can be notified by email on new posts for specific search terms like “PlayStation 5”. Activate this and switch on push notifications to receive smartphone updates when another user posts about PS5 availability.
Twitter Alerts is a similar feature where you can be notified when a specific account Tweets. Sign up for Alerts and follow the PS5 account listed above to receive smartphone notifications and stay up to date regarding availability.
Reddit doesn’t support smartphone notifications for specific threads. Instead, download the Alerts for Reddit app to receive phone notifications when there’s new content posted on the PS5 stock subreddit.
Follow Retailers on Social Media
Follow retailers on social media as they often announce upcoming PS5 stock allocations. You will need to be quick, as many retailers post just hours in advance and not days or weeks.
You may wish to activate push notifications and smartphone alerts to stay updated on expected availability.
Consider Purchasing in a Bundle
Some stores offer PlayStation 5s as part of bundles, selling with additional controllers, games or other products entirely. For example, telco Vodafone has PS5 consoles available for those who sign up for a phone and home internet plan.
These bundles can be expensive, but if you were considering upgrading your phone or home internet, this offer could suit your needs.
Check eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace
Nobody likes scalpers, especially when they’re good at what they do. But, purchasing from a scalper over eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace is the quickest way to get your hands on a brand new PlayStation 5.
There will be a price mark up, so expect to pay more than what the console goes for at retail. Should you purchase from a scalper? It all depends on how badly you want a PS5.
Follow the above steps, and you should have a considerable advantage over those simply waiting for their pre-orders to arrive.
Where to Buy a PS5 in Australia
Here’s a comprehensive list of Australian retailers who stock PlayStation 5 consoles and accessories. If your retailer of choice has announced an upcoming stock allocation, consider these tips to improve your chances:
Bookmark the desired webpage for fast access
Make an account and sign in beforehand
Preload bank details and shipping address for faster checkout
Retailers who stock the PlayStation 5:
Why is the PS5 Hard to Find?
The Sony PlayStation 5 launched globally in November 2020. By this time, the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing, with lockdowns, illness, and work from home scenarios affecting the consoles’ manufacturing and shipping.
In an interview with the Washington Post, PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan said Sony is “very sorry” that gamers are still struggling to purchase a PS5 and cited the global shortage of semiconductors as the pressing issue for delays.
The other crucial factor to consider is scalpers and resellers. Using automation tools (bots), scalpers cheat the system and steal stock away from genuine buyers only to resell at an inflated price.
Jim Ryan went on to say that production is ramping up but at a steady pace and hopes gamers can soon be rid of PS5 scalpers for good.
Where to Buy PS5 Accessories
Unlike PlayStation 5 consoles, PS5 accessories are easy to come by. So they should be readily available at your retailer of choice. But it’s always worth shopping around to find the best deals.
Whether you’re chasing a charging dock to complete the setup or simply purchasing an additional controller in anticipation of owning a console, here’s what you need to know about PS5 accessories: