Target PS5 restock shows 'back in stock' – but frustrated users can't check out

Target PS5 restock shows 'back in stock' – but frustrated users can't check out

Posted By: March 09, 2021 Leave a Reply

Update: The Target restock appears to be a false alarm, promising to ship the console to users, but we're going to keep checking for it to come back in stock – could turn on any second or launch on a different day this week.

Prior story

The Target PS5 restock is happening online (not in stores) right now, with the US retailer allowing for in-store pickup at a local Target once a purchase is secured.

This means you could buy and start playing the PlayStation 5 today. This Target PS5 restock isn't a complete surprise. Multiple Target employees sent TechRadar photos of their individual stores amassing PS5 and Xbox inventory this past weekend.

Today's sale on the hard-to-find consoles was ready as soon as this past Monday in some stores, according to our sources at three different stores in the US, although not all Target stores had enough console stock before this nationwide PS5 restock.

PS5 restock

These boxes contain PS5 and Xbox Series X, according to Target employees who sent us a series of photos (Image credit: Target employee)

"We have roughly 8 Xbox consoles and 22 PS5 consoles," we were told on Sunday in a Twitter direct message from a Target employee who wishes to remain anonymous.

Across America, our sources at Target told us that there are many more PS5 Disc Editions and very few to no PS5 Digital Editions for this restock. There are also fewer Xbox Series X consoles than the PS5, so you may see those go out of stock first.

Before today's Target restock, the retailer has stressed to not show up at stores to order either console. These are online-only orders with an in-store pickup option. 

The way this PS5 restock works actually has its advantages if you're able to secure a console in your area. Unlike Walmart and Best Buy PS5 restock, which primarily ship to homes, Target deals on a local level, with a pickup option at individual stores. It won't sell out immediately from a single pipeline. You may get lucky if you search.

Target PS5 inventory showed up in kiosks

Here's a tell for the next Target PS5 restock: Target customers nationwide found console inventory show up in kiosks on days ahead of the expected sale. Twitch streamer MyGuyMcFly snapped and sent a photo to TechRadar, seen below, showing 18 PS5 consoles in stock at a local Target in Minnesota, suggesting they have at least some inventory – though not yet for sale.

PS5 restock

(Image credit: MyGuyMcFly)

Even more PS5 consoles are stockpiled at a Target in Austin, Texas, with customer Esteban reaching out to us on Twitter to share a photo in a direct message. 

"I went to my local Target a few minutes ago and they have some in stock," he told us. The screen shows 25+ PS5 consoles on hand and 41 in the back. None were being sold just yet. He noted, "For PS5 Digital Edition, they only have 6, so I’m most likely aiming for the Disc version."

PS5 restock Target inventory screen

(Image credit: Esteban)

Miss it? When is the next Target PS5 and Xbox restock?

Target PS5 restock has been unpredictable since Sony's November 2020 launch, but, recently, its store have been getting inventory and opening online orders biweekly. 

So your Target probably has the new consoles in the back days or a week in advance of a restock. In fact, today's sale on the hard-to-find consoles was ready for as soon as this past Monday, according to our sources at three different stores in the US. It's just that not all stores had enough consoles before today's nationwide PS5 restock.

Almost all Targets need stock before the chain opens orders nationwide. It tends to make a unified push. Of course, not all Target stores will get shipments. TechRadar went to visit the Herald Square store in Manhattan, and employees there said they don't often carry the PlayStation 5. So it's still only available on a store-by-store basis.

Last time there was a major Target PS5 restock, it happened at 8am EST, so it's best to be prepared to wake up early, even if you're on the West Coast. However, there are no guarantees that Target will launch orders a 8AM EST on Monday. It could be earlier (Target has done that before), it could be later, or it could be as later this week.

TechRadar also has several photos of boxes in the Target backroom showing Xbox Series X and PS5 inventory. We initially withheld those pictures until we could ensure there were no markings that could be traced back to our sources.

You can do two things today. Check the stores below and receive alerts from our PS5 restock Twitter tracker.

  • 2. Check for PS5 restock yourself – these are the 12 trusted stores

Check these stores for PS5

  1. Amazon: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition – always check for surprise stock
  2. GameStop: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition – great source due to affordable bundles that stay in stock longer
  3. Walmart: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition – just went out of stock Thursday
  4. Sony Direct: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition
  5. Target: PS5 |PS5 Digital Edition 
  6. Best Buy: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition – in stock Friday
  7. B&H Photo: PS5 |PS5 Digital Edition
  8. Sam's Club: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition
  9. Newegg: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition
  10. Costco: PS5
  11. Adorama: PS5 
  12. Antonline: PS5

PS5 has been nearly impossible to find in stock for more than a few minutes every time stores restock the Sony console. We're finding the same can be said about the Xbox Series X. Both Sony and Microsoft launches their respective consoles in November 2020 and haven't been able to manufacturer enough to meet demand.

Stores like Target, Walmart and Best Buy routinely add new stock to their stores and the crush of people coming to their sites often crashes the pages. Four months after the initial launches, it's still a burden to buy a next-gen console, even after months of customers constantly trying their luck.



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