Fans still waiting to get a PS5 will get an opportunity to get their hands on one if they can get to a GameStop store. With the holidays fast approaching, this may be one of the last opportunities to get one from any of the big retailers before the hectic season begins.
Social media gaming insider and retailer affiliate Wario64 posted today on Twitter that GameStop stores in select cities in the United States will get a restock of PS5s. The PS5s will be a part of GameStop in-store bundles only, so won't be walking out with just the console box.
Similar to other GameStop promotions held last month, stores in New York, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, San Antonio, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Chicago, and Boston will get the highly coveted consoles on October 22nd. There is nothing on the site that offers any sort of reservation option so it's assumed "first come-first serve" rules apply for any consumers wanting them. On the GameStop website, putting in local zip codes will propagate addresses for stores nearby that are participating. Word of advice: Look through a variety of zip codes within a reasonable distance as some surrounding cities and towns may have more stores than others.
There is no further information on how many a store could get. Nor are there any clues to the availability between Disc and Digital editions, or what bundle packages will be available. GameStop's console bundles usually consist of the console with one or two pre-selected games, the console with an additional controller, or a console with a mix of the previous options and a PlayStation Store card or a GameStop gift card. GameStop has had a tendency to lock its PS5 restocks behind its "Power Up Pro Rewards" membership program but this sounds like this drop is open to anyone that can get to the store.
Even with Sony itself saying it is putting as many consoles out to stores as it can, a consistent shortage still remains in effect to get the new-gen console thanks to pandemic-induced supply chain issues across varying industries. Scalping is still an issue and counter-scalping Discord servers and bot programs remain filled with people looking for their best chance at ripping stock away from the thieves. Selling the consoles in-store with no purchase options online may be an extra deterrent, but that just leads to long lines of hopefuls and potentially disappointed consumers.
Source: Wario64