Even though the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles have been out for over a year at this point, both are still incredibly hard to find. A variety of factors have made it next to impossible for many consumers to get their hands on a PS5 or Xbox Series X without paying ridiculous marked-up scalper prices, and it doesn't look like things are going to get easier anytime soon. However, there are things that people can do to increase their odds of getting a PS5 or Xbox Series X console, like signing up for Amazon Prime, for instance.

Amazon has updated its listings for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles with a new blurb that says Amazon Prime subscribers will get first dibs on new console stock. Amazon is describing this as "priority access" for Amazon Prime customers, which will last until December 31. Amazon has not said when the next PS5 or Xbox Series X restocks will take place, so Amazon Prime members should keep an eye out for more information on that front.

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Anyone that wants to sign up for Amazon Prime to make getting a PS5 or Xbox Series X console a little easier should know that they can pay $12.99 per month for a membership or $119 to get a year's worth of the service. The main benefit is free two-day shipping on anything purchased from Amazon, but now it seems priority access to next-gen consoles can be added to the list of Amazon Prime benefits. Of course, signing up for Amazon Prime in no way guarantees that someone will be able to buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X by the end of the month, it will just increase their chances of doing so.

Amazon Prime PS5 and Xbox Series X Restock

Amazon is far from the first retailer to give next-gen console priority to its paid members. GameStop was one of the first to try something like this out, letting its PowerUp Rewards members get first dibs on PS5 and Xbox Series X console bundles. Walmart later followed suit with its Walmart+ subscription program, which, similarly to GameStop and Amazon, essentially allows subscribers to have the first shot at buying a next-gen console.

Eventually, the ongoing PS5 and Xbox Series X console shortages will be rectified and it will be much easier for someone to simply walk into a store and walk out with a console. However, the shortages are expected to continue through 2022, so shoppers should keep that in mind.

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