The battle continues for Sony fans who are trying to track down a PlayStation 5 console before the end of the month. With the holiday shopping season in full swing, PS5s are high on many wish lists, and finding one feels almost impossible. Despite this however, some major retailers have seen bursts of stock appearing online for those who are keeping close tabs on PS5 listings. Usually this stock is sold out within minutes of going up, but knowing which stores seem to restock more frequently than others will help those still looking to potentially score a console.

One of the hardest things about about locating a PlayStation 5 is the fact that stock vanishes so quickly. By the time news gets around of consoles appearing for purchase online, they are already gone. Websites tracking potential PS5 restocks can't keep up, leaving them to speculate when the next round of PS5 console stock may come in at retailer stores. This leaves fans waiting for the next generation console in a lurch, because without solid release dates and times, purchasing a console is a wild, frustrating goose chase.

Related: When PS5 Restocks Are Coming After Black Friday (& Where)

For those willing to spend time checking websites like Walmart and Best Buy however, there is a chance they may stumble across one of these sudden restocks, or potentially find a PS5 Open-Box console at Best Buy. These Open-Boxes have been available periodically as they pop up randomly for online shoppers. With PS5's potentially being stolen from delivery trucks, and stores rarely carrying consoles on location due to Covid-19 safety precautions, online restocks remain the most reliable way to try and purchase a console.

PS5 Consoles May Appear Online At Certain Retail Stores

PlayStation 5 Hardware Lineup Reveal

The stores below have indicated restocks may be coming soon, or recently have had restocks online with a level of reliability. Players should check these sites regularly to keep up to date with any potential stock that might become available.

  • Amazon - Currently out of stock except for marked-up resales, but with the potential for restock in the near future.
  • Walmart - Currently out of stock, but has been regularly getting PS5 consoles in.
  • BestBuy - Currently out of stock, but regularly gets online stock in as well as Open-Box consoles.
  • GameStop - Currently out of stock with no news on restocks. (Also tends to carry consoles in store during restock)
  • Sony Direct - Currently out of stock but had consoles as recently as Dec 4th and appears to get stock more regularly.
  • Costco - Currently out of stock. ( only for PS5 bundles)
  • Target - Currently out of stock with no news on restocks.

It is likely that many gamers still on the hunt for a PS5 will be getting their console after the holidays. However, some may be lucky enough to catch online restocks if they are patient and diligent in watching retail websites that have been known to get PS5s frequently. While the wait is frustrating it is important not to give in and purchase a PS5 from online scalpers, and risk being scammed for an inflated price. PlayStation 5 consoles restocks may be slow, but hopefully players who are still waiting may see larger restocks just in time to get a console wrapped up for a holiday gift.

Next: Is Xbox Series X as “Next-Gen” as PS5?