The newest generation of gaming hasn't exactly been the easiest to get into. Eight months after the release of both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the consoles are still very difficult to acquire. Between manufacturing difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the constant battle against scalpers, getting the newest consoles has become akin to trying to win the lottery. As the first anniversary of this newest generation creeps closer, there's still no sign of when the consoles will be regularly available in store, but companies have come up with their own ways to make getting them just a little bit easier.
In order to give fans a better chance at grabbing a PS5, Sony has set up a system through PlayStation Direct so that they can get the console right from the source. While supply is still very limited, PlayStation Direct has been one of the more dependable ways to get a PS5 nowadays. With how high demand is, a lot of gamers will take whatever options they can get, so it's worth knowing how to sign up to try and get a PS5 from PlayStation Direct.
Make Sure to Have a PSN Account
This may seem like a pretty common sense step for gamers that have had PlayStation consoles before, but having a PSN account is vital to get a PS5 from PlayStation Direct. This requirement acts as a big deterrent to scalpers, particularly those that use bots in order to grab up consoles as soon as they become available. Some retailers, like GameStop, have implemented similar systems, where hopeful PS5 owners need to have a rewards card in order to purchase certain bundles. Gamers that may not already have a PlayStation console can also get in on the action so long as they make a PSN account online.
Wait For The PS Direct Invitation
One of the unfortunate things about depending on PlayStation Direct for a PS5 is the waiting. The way this system has worked so far, it seems there is a restock on PlayStation Direct once a month. Whenever a restock is approaching, select PSN members will get an email invitation with an exclusive link to enter a private queue. These emails can be unpredictable, so there's really no telling when in the month they will come. It may seem somewhat excessive, but it's all in an effort to make sure the people who actually want a PS5 can get one.
Be Ready For The Queue
Once someone with a PSN account is lucky enough to receive an email for a PlayStation Direct invitation, then comes the tricky part. As a part of the email invitation, a date and time will be attached for when the private queue will open. When the time comes, participants click on their link and are redirected to the queue where they must wait in line. Once their time comes, and if there are still PS5s left, they can put the console in their cart alongside whatever else they may need. It should be said, though, that even with the private queue there's a chance not everyone in line will be able to purchase the system.
Getting a PS5 may still be a frustrating process, but PlayStation Direct at least makes it a little more likely. Compared to what players had before, it's a bit more organized than waiting for a random restock at retailers just for the website to crash. Although the most recent PlayStation Direct restock has since passed, there seems to be a monthly pattern with the service. Prospective PS5 owners will just have to wait to see if PlayStation Direct offers another round of consoles in August.