PS5 pre-orders: everything you need to know ahead of the PlayStation 5 launch

PS5 pre-orders can't be far away now - here's what we see happening when they arrive

PS5 pre-orders cannot be far away. For starters, we now have a pre-order date for the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. In addition, a PS5 showcase event is set for September 16. If we're going to find out the PS5 price anywhere, it'll be there. 

Frankly, it's about time. We've been waiting on PS5 pre-orders for months, and we have a suspicion it was because Sony had been playing a game of chicken with Microsoft. Because the Xbox Series X price and the budget-friendly Xbox Series S price leaked last week, now may be PlayStation's moment. Either way, it's baffling that we're only a few months out from the new console generation and Sony still hasn't officially confirmed the PS5's cost. 

We have no doubt that PS5 pre-orders will begin soon, though. Seeing as our team has been covering console launches and their offers in the years following for a long time now, we're ready to make sure we bring you the very best PS5 pre-orders.

The latest actual bit of news on this front was the recent opening of PS5 pre-order registration by Sony in the US. This opened up a process for PlayStation fans to input their details in order to be in within a chance of being offered a PS5 pre-order. Pretty thin, huh? However, we'll take what we can, particularly if there is to be a "limited quantity of PS5 consoles available at launch" as the post said.

For now, read on for everything we know so far. Or if you're just awaiting the PS5 pre-order greenlight, sign up to our email alerts below and you'll be amongst the first to know when retailers go live.

PS5 pre-orders - Can I register interest?

With some retailers, you can register interest by throwing your email address into their mailing list hats. We'd recommend bookmarking this page right here though as we'll be rounding up the best options from a range of retailers and avoiding all those over-priced options with a bunch on non-discounted products that typically fill our inboxes from many retailers.

It's good to know in advance which retailers will be most likely to get PS5 pre-order stock for launch and which ones might be the best match for you. Here are our highlights of popular merchants from the US and UK.

US retailers for PS5 pre-orders

Amazon
The gargantuan online retailer will arguably be the biggest stockist of the PS5 with the most units to sell, which might actually make it hard to find one there if you leave it too late. Amazon Prime members will be keen to buy from here given the fast delivery options offered.

Walmart
The retail behemoth will have you well covered if it's your shop of choice. You'll be able to pick up in-store as well as order to home which will be a great option to get your new console immediately. There's no way Walmart will miss a trick with PS5 pre-orders so naturally they'll be ones to look out for when it all kicks off.

Best Buy
Like Walmart, Best Buy will have the option of in-store pickup which might be a better option for many buyers. Best Buy has been one of the better retailers at stocking consoles during the pandemic when other stores haven't seen stock in months, so its certainly one to watch for PS5 pre-orders. 

GameStop
A tricky one, given the once-mighty retailer has spent the last few years on the ropes. Any further Covid-19 outbreaks could see in-store PS5 pre-orders stuck in limbo if the store can't physically open. If you do buy a PS5 from GameStop but the console develops a fault within the warranty period, we'd be concerned that the company might not still be in business to honor it. We'd imagine you'd be able to send it to Sony instead, but it'll be a hassle easily avoided by buying elsewhere.

UK retailers for PS5 pre-orders

Amazon
Like in many other countries around the world, Amazon will be a popular pick for PS5 pre-orders in the UK. That popularity will also mean everyone will be shopping there so it's good to have other options. Thankfully, the UK has managed to maintain a competitive variety of retailers for consoles. Let's see who else is worth a shout below.

Currys PC World
The popular electronics retailer has a great online and high-street/retail park presence so you've got plenty of options. Currys managed to find console stock more than most retailers in recent months during the pandemic, so we reckon it's a solid shout for some PS5 pre-orders, maybe even with some bundle action too as it's very competitive.

John Lewis
It's highly likely that the PS5 pre-order prices are going to be the same at most retailers at launch, so looking for any slight edge is worth the effort. And John Lewis has one not mentioned nearly enough and that's the free two-year warranty on its electronics devices, which we assume will be included on the PS5 (it'll say on the listing once online). Other retailers usually charge a lot of money to extend beyond the usual 12-month guarantee, so we think this is a big deal. 

Game
Like we mentioned with GameStop in the US, Game is a retailer hanging on by the skin of its teeth. While you will be able to find PS5 pre-orders here both online and in-store, the double threat of further lockdowns affecting your in-store pickup and the business potentially disappearing over the next year being a concern if your PS5 develops a fault has us thinking ordering elsewhere would be wise.

PS5 pre-orders - how much will they cost?

This is the big question... and right now, the only thing we can say is "insert educated guessing here". We just don't know.

Decent estimates have wildly fluctuated. There have been solid arguments made for a premium-priced console of, say, 600 - 700 dollars or pounds given how revolutionary the brand-new tech within the PS5 is. There have been equally logical thoughts thrown around a lower price tag, one that would even see Sony sell each unit at a loss, a la the PS4, of around $400 / £400 / AU$549.

In all reality though, we expect the PS5 to be priced around $499/£499. And the digital version to be around $50/£50 less. Of course, Microsoft has a slight advantage for budget shoppers as the Xbox Series S will only cost $299/£249, but will of course be a long way behind the full strength power of both the Xbox Series X and PS5.

The same is the case when it comes to games. On one hand, we have heard how next-gen games will be more expensive ($70), but we have also had confirmation that Ubisoft's 2020 games will cost the same for PS5 and Xbox Series X as they do for the current generation of consoles ($60).

PS5 pre-orders - bundle deals

Let's face it, any console pre-order or purchase is going to be made far more attractive if you can find a bundle with a great launch game, or one you're really excited about. PS5 pre-orders will be no different and we know that there are plenty of upcoming PS5 games hitting shelves around then.

Unfortunately, we're not exactly certain which games would be included. We've got a good idea, though. We'd be looking out for consoles that comes with Assassin's Creed Valhalla or Cyberpunk 2077. Because they're this fall's biggest releases, it's a safe bet that they'll be paired with the console. Similarly, the PS5-exclusive Spider-Man: Miles Morales is another shoe-in. Just don't expect a big saving. That's rare for launch bundles, and it's much more likely that a game's cost will simply be added on top of the standard PlayStation 5 MSRP / RRP. 

What about bundles with digital games, though, particularly with the PS5 Digital Edition? That seems equally nailed on to some degree as it'll be straightforward to throw in codes for games (plus, it'll be absolutely necessary given the console's lack of a disc drive). If there are any discounts to be had, we bet this is where you'll find them.

Before we wrap things up, let's not forget about PS5 bundles that add in hardware as opposed to software. We know that there will be a bunch of PS5 accessories releasing at the same time, and there will certainly be demand for bundles that throw in the 3D Pulse audio headset or another DualSense PS5 controller.

Keep checking back here for more updates. When PS5 pre-orders do go live, we'll be on-hand to help out and point you in the right direction.