Amazon is trialing PS5 restocks with an early access window exclusively for Prime members. This could help fight off scalpers looking to bulk buy consoles in order to resell for profit, and subsequently make restocks easier for genuine customers.
The retailer stealthily made this fairly dramatic change during its latest PS5 restock in the U.K. Sony's in-demand games console was restocked this morning (July 14) and during this drop customers signed up to Amazon Prime were able to purchase the machine first. Unsurprisingly, the limited stock sold out before it could reach general sale making this restock essentially a Prime-exclusive drop.
- PS5 restock update: Track on Twitter, Walmart, Target and more
- The best PS5 games in 2021
- Plus: Buying a PS5? This is the TV I would get for the best experience
The retailer alerted customers to this change in how it runs PS5 restocks with a note on the products listing page that reads “Amazon Prime customers will have priority access to the PlayStation 5 until July 14th 2021." The wording suggests this could just be a one-off Prime priority restock, although there is of course the possibility that once the retailer is ready to drop stock again the date will be reset.
So far this early access window has only been seen in the U.K. However, Amazon has a history of testing new offers and schemes on its individual national sites before rolling them out across its international network. So, don’t be surprised if the next U.S. drop also has a Prime priority window.
If you’re still on the hunt for a PS5, then it might not be a bad idea to sign up for Prime before the next drop. You can even get a 30-day free trial of the service so it won’t cost you anything. Amazon Prime also gives you access to free shipping and the Prime Video streaming service for just $12.99 a month, so it’s certainly a worthwhile investment.
Amazon isn’t the first retailer to offer customers with a premium subscription early access to console restocks. Last month GameStop announced that Pro reward members would get priority when it came to future PS5 and Xbox Series X restocks. We’ve seen the retailer drop consoles multiple times since then and it’s a system that appears to be working well.
If you’re desperately on the lookout for PS5 restocks then signing up for Amazon Prime might be a small price to pay to finally get your hands on a machine. Plus, make sure to also regularly check our PS5 restock hub which contains the latest stock information as we get it.
PS5 restock tracker — stores to check
- Walmart: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock July 1)
- Best Buy: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock June 29)
- GameStop: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock July 1)
- Amazon: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock June 23)
- Dell: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock March 31)
- Target: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock July 9)
- Sony: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock June 23)
- Newegg: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock April 29)
- Kohl's: PS5 (last restock April 21)
- Adorama: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition | Bundles
- Costco: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock April 22)
- Antonline: PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition (last restock July 6)
- Sam's Club: PS5 (last restock May 20)
