GameStop is now offering Pro members early access to PS5 restocks and Xbox Series X restocks.
Confirmation of this originally came by way of an Instagram post from the official GameStop account and was first spotted by popular stock-tracking account Wario64. The early access scheme essentially allows customers who have signed up for the retailer's premium membership service the opportunity to purchase a next-gen console before anyone else.
It has been confirmed that this early access perk will be for “online consoles.” While GameStop previously held an in-store Xbox Series X restock, the Pro membership benefit didn't apply. The early access window is strictly for online purchases of a next-gen console only.
GameStop isn't the first retailer to have an early access window. Sony Direct has previously run a series of invite-only restocks, allowing a handful of specially selected customers the opportunity to buy a PS5 before later opening up the order queue to the general public. Amazon U.K. also held a PS5 restock with an early access period for Prime members earlier this month.
Since this announcement, GameStop has held more than five PS5 and Xbox Series X restocks. Each time the console stock has sold out before it could go on general sale. However, the GameStop website confirms that if there is non-claimed stock after the Pro member early access period it would go up for general sale. Therefore as the consoles become easier to obtain, we will likely again see online restocks at GameStop that are open to everyone.
If you’re still on the hunt for a next-gen console there could well be substantial value in signing up to become a GameStop Pro member. The opportunity to purchase a console with less competition could be the difference between scoring that coveted order confirmation email and being left empty-handed.
How to become a GameStop Pro member
Signing up to become a GameStop Pro member is super straightforward. While there is a free PowerUp Rewards tier, this won’t get you early access to next-gen console restocks. To go Pro you will need to pay, but you do get quite a bit for your money.
Aside from priority access to restocks, other benefits of being a Pro member include double rewards points when you make a purchase, 10% extra trade-in credit, and a $5 monthly reward certificate.
Pro membership costs either $15 or $20 annually, depending on whether you want a digital or physical subscription to GameInformer magazine, which comes with the membership as well. You can sign up for Pro membership right now on the GameStop website.
Becoming a GameStop Pro member could make the tricky task of securing one of these in-demand machines substantially easier. While it definitely appears that GameStop isn’t guaranteeing stock to all Pro members, having early access is a great way to tip the odds of success in your favor.
If you'd rather buy your console without needing to resort to spending extra money on memberships, check out our PS5 restock hub and Xbox Series X restock hub for the latest stock information from all major retailers.
