To put it mildly, this generation of consoles — PS5, Xbox Series X|S and (sort of) Nintendo Switch OLED — is an unusual generation. Finding current generation consoles in stock, in brick-and-mortar stores or online, is much more difficult than usual. For the average consumer, the PS5 in particular has been nearly impossible to find in stock at any point in the past two years.
Sony recently said The PS5 shortage is basically over, and we finally see that bear born. Currently, you can order all the latest gaming consoles at this or another retailer and they will be delivered almost instantly. It’s about time.
Where to buy current generation console
Of course, there are a few caveats. As for the PS5 disc version, the only SKU currently available is the SKU that comes with God of War: Ragnarok and costs $559. In the past, game bundles cost no extra, but those days are over. (Thankfully, it’s a great game; check out our 10/10 score God of War Ragnarok reviews). And the PS5 Digital Edition is not as widespread as the disc version. It still requires you to request an order invitation from Amazonor it will be shipped in a week from Walmart.
However, it is rare to see all models of all current consoles available for purchase online without any major delays. Let’s hope it stays that way.
I suspect some element is at play here. By all accounts, the chip shortage that made these machines previously scarce is finally easing. It is also possible that demand for these machines is slowing down, as often happens in the first quarter of the year.
All of which means, if you’ve been looking for a new console from the last few years and have had a hard time finding it in stock, here’s good news. Now the question is whether the stock will continue to be so easy to find in the future. We can only hope.
Chris Reed is a trading expert and trade editor for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @_chrislreed or on mastodons @chrislreed.
