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Finding an in-stock PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X has been a challenge throughout most of 2021, but things might start looking up later this week. According to the latest report from TechRadar, Best Buy will be restocking its in-store console inventories on Thursday, September 23rd – making this the first brick and mortar resupply of 2021 and your best chance yet at snagging an elusive next-gen console.
Best Buy had been one of the most reliable locations to purchase a PS5 or Xbox Series X online since launch day last year. The electronics giant provided nearly weekly inventory refreshes up until August, at which point its supply dried up. Many had speculated that it simply couldn’t land any more shipments from Sony or Microsoft – both of which have seen console production slowed by the ongoing semiconductor shortage – but it seems Best Buy was simply holding onto inventory for a massive nationwide inventory drop.
Nothing has been made official yet, but TechRadar’s sources seem to be reliable. Several anonymous leakers close to Best Buy have indicated that stores throughout the United States will be receiving upwards of 50 consoles by Thursday – although it’s unclear how they will be distributed to customers. Specifically, the sources couldn’t determine whether shoppers could simply walk in and make a purchase, or if they’ll still need to go online before heading into their local store for a same-day pick-up.
Either method would mark a striking change to Best Buy’s ordering process, as customers previously needed to wait three to five business days after confirming an online purchase before their local store made it available for pickup.

Here’s How In-Store PS5 and Xbox Sales Will (Probably) Work

Best Buy storefront

Credit: Slickdeals


While there’s still plenty of uncertainty surrounding the situation, Best Buy has already set a precedent for handing in-store sales of wildly popular electronics. Earlier this year we saw a limited supply of NVIDIA GPUs up for grabs, and Best Buy used a simple “first come, first served” methodology to determine which lucky customers walked away with the scarce products.
If that holds true for this batch of console restocks, you’ll need to rush out to Best Buy as early as you can on Thursday morning, jump in line and hope you get a coveted ticket that reserves your console of choice. Sources are indicating you’ll want to be in line outside of Best Buy before 7:30 a.m. local time to have a chance at purchasing a console during the in-store restock.
Again – Best Buy hasn’t officially confirmed a restock is happening, but we’re cautiously optimistic that the leaked news will hold true. Be sure to keep your eye on Best Buy’s Twitter account for up-to-date information and details on how the first in-store restock of 2021 will proceed.

Where to Find an In-Stock PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X

Playstation 5 and xbox series x

Credit: GameStop


If venturing out to Best Buy and fighting through hordes of customers doesn’t sound appealing, there are plenty of other ways to snag a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Your fastest option is to simply visit a website such as StockX, which almost always has Sony and Microsoft’s latest consoles in stock – although they’re usually listed well above MSRP.

GameStop PowerUp Rewards Pro Members might have the best shot at snagging a next-gen console, as they’re given a heads-up on when restocks will appear and have first access to the inventory.

Beyond those options, Antonline has quickly become a reliable resupplier in 2021,  although it’s hard to say when its inventory will drop. Because of this, you’ll need to keep a close eye on its website.

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JB

Jon Bitner

Jon is a freelance writer who primarily focuses on topics related to video games, science, medicine and technology. Before starting his career as a writer he worked in the Biotechnology industry. He has a degree in Biology, and when he isn't writing he can usually be found traveling, playing video games or hunting down the latest deals.