Where to buy a PlayStation 5 in 2020: Tips, sources and alerts

So you want to buy a PlayStation 5. But a global pandemic, scalpers and an unprecedented demand for gaming hardware have made the console seemingly impossible to find.

That’s where we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips and leads to help you figure out where to buy a PS5 in time for the holidays — and beyond. It’s likely that the PS5 will still be in short supply well into 2021.

Have everything filled out and ready to buy

This seems obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. Create an account with every major retailer you intend to buy from — Best Buy, Target, Walmart, etc.

Make sure you’re logged onto all their sites and your credit card info for each is updated. Retailers have been selling out of PS5s within minutes of listing. In those precious seconds you spent logging in, adding to cart and checking out, a hundred other buyers have already confirmed their orders.

Refresh, refresh, refresh

Once a listing goes up, retailers get slammed with a massive amount of traffic that slows their website down to a crawl.

When that happens, don’t give up. Refresh the webpage if you have to (unless the website explicitly advises against it, lest you lose your place in the queue). It isn’t over until you see that dreaded “Sold Out” notice, but if you’re lucky, it could instead be an “Order Confirmed.”

Use Discord and Twitch to get instant notifications on PlayStation 5 listings

StockDrops and ATR – Stonks on Discord are hubs to buy various gaming hardware, including the PlayStation 5. Both Discord channels have bots that scan retail sites and immediately send out alerts once stock is refreshed.

After joining the channel, be sure to read the instructions to find out how to sign up for PlayStation 5 notifications. You may also want to enable Discord’s push notifications on your phone for easy ordering.

Personally, I prefer StockDrops out of the two. StockDrops notifications also provide an ATC (Add To Cart) link, so with one click, you already have your item in the cart and are ready to check out. Again, you’re saving precious seconds.

Also, Killercam1020 on Twitch has been maintaining a livestream of a bot that is constantly scanning retailers for inventory with information on which retailers most recently renewed their stock.

Follow these Twitter accounts

Wario64 and Cheap A** Gamer on Twitter have been mainstays for gamers looking for good deals. Both have enjoyed another surge of popularity since they’ve also been tracking PS5 drops.

If you want something more specific, PS5StockAlerts has been solely dedicated to spreading info on PS 5s and PS5 accessories.

Remember to turn on your push notifications so you don’t miss a drop! On that note. . .

Get your phone ready, too

Download apps from all the retailers you intend on buying from. Remember, make sure you’re logged in on the apps and your payment info is filled out.

If you get a PS5 restock alert on your phone, you could save time by clicking the link and ordering straight from the seller’s app. It’s faster than seeing the notification on your phone and then hustling to find the page on your laptop.

Once again: those extra seconds matter.

Lastly, blessings and good luck!

Pray to whichever gods you honor. Appeal to whatever cosmic force you believe influences the universe. Or just bank on sheer, chaotic chance.

The truth is, the vast majority of people who want a PlayStation 5 probably won’t get one until April or June of 2021. But with these tips and sources, you have a much better shot at being one of the lucky few who will be gaming on their PS5 on Christmas Day.

Buena fortuna, reader.

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