Update:
Following news Sony had completely sold out of the PlayStation 5 everywhere in the world, the tech giant has announced there will indeed be a restock before the end of 2021.
“We want to thank gamers everywhere for making the PS5 launch our biggest console launch ever. Demand for PS5 is unprecedented, so we wanted to confirm that more PS5 inventory will be coming to retailers before the end of the year,” a Tweet from the official PlayStation account reads.
The announcement ends with Sony asking gamers to stay in touch with local retailers. Read on to find out more.
We want to thank gamers everywhere for making the PS5 launch our biggest console launch ever. Demand for PS5 is unprecedented, so we wanted to confirm that more PS5 inventory will be coming to retailers before the end of the year – please stay in touch with your local retailers.
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) November 25, 2020
Original Story:
The long-anticipated release of the PlayStation 5 was met with such intense hype that the console sold out entirely in record time, and before Christmas, too. 2020 strikes again. In fact, the PS5 sold more units in its first 12 hours on the market than the PS4 did over its first 12 weeks.
Last week, and much to our dismay, Sony’s CEO Jim Ryan confirmed the next-generation console was “absolutely” sold out, with no prospects for a re-stock until 2021. It was a cruel blow to our Christmas wishlists and an instant dampener on our holiday plans, but with limited stock available on the units, it was always going to be a challenge.
Due to social distancing restrictions and additional issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers faced hurdles in getting workers into the factories. Prior to production, the team had to manage manufacturing prep via a remote camera.
“I’ve spent much of the last year trying to be sure that we can generate enough demand for the product. And now, in terms of my executive bandwidth, I’m spending a lot more time on trying to increase supply to meet that demand,” Ryan said in an interview with a Russian news agency, according to GQ.
So… what happens now? Well, unless by some miracle your loved ones are intending to surprise you with a console for Christmas (and happened to score one when stores first received stock) it’s likely you’ll be waiting until 2021 for your next shot.
Even some buyers who pre-ordered the PS5 won’t be receiving theirs until the new year, which is a bummer considering they would have already forked out the $749.95 for the tech. But you know what they say: Good things come to those who wait.
And while you may not be able to add a PS5 to your cart and check out instantly just yet, there are a number of alerts you can sign up to to ensure you’re notified when stock is replenished.
The official Sony store has closed its pre-order, however, you can sign up to receive alerts and updates on availability. JB Hi-Fi is asking shoppers to check in regularly for updates and has said it will make customers aware of a re-stock in its email newsletter, which you can sign up to here.
Both Amazon and EB Games are showing no stock, with no updates as to when the console will be on sale once more.
Right now, all we can do is continue to refresh those pages every now and again. We wish you luck on your mission to score a PlayStation 5.