How to Get a Next Gen Console at Each Major Distributor

With manufacturing disrupted by COVID-19 and demand at its peak, snagging a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S is the trickiest it will ever be. Both consoles are set to drop in the first half of November — Nov. 10 for the Xbox, Nov. 12 for the PS5 — and every retailer has its own limitations on how you can get one for yourself. Here's what you need to know in order to get a console of your own as quickly as possible.

How to Get an Xbox Series X/S at Best Buy

Per conversations with Best Buy representatives, Best Buy won't offer any walk-in purchases at launch, but you'll be able to pre-order the Xbox Series X/S and pick it up in-store on launch day. Items will also be purchasable for Black Friday. Accessories such as the Pulse 3D Headset can be picked up ahead of time, as early as Friday, Oct. 30. More accessories will become available Nov. 4.

It's possible to circumvent the pre-order queue by selecting the "Create a Bundle" option and adding nothing to your bundle — just progressing to check out. This trick works only intermittently.

How to Get a PS5 at Best Buy

Scoring a PS5 at Best Buy should be the same as getting an Xbox Series X/S with the lone exception being the PS5 isn't available for online pre-order yet. It should appear before the console is released.

How to Get an Xbox Series X/S or PS5 at Target

Both the Xbox Series X/S and the PS5 will be made available for online orders at an undisclosed date, according to Target representatives. Target won't offer any in-store purchases, but you'll be able to pick up your console at the store. You may be able to pick up as early as midnight on launch day, but you should check with the store itself to make sure.

How to Get an Xbox Series X/S or PS5 at Walmart

Walmart hasn't made its in-store purchase policy explicit for the U.S., but Walmart Canada has tweeted that neither in-store purchases nor pickup will be available during the initial launch period. You'll be able to buy online and have the consoles shipped to you. It's likely the U.S. will follow a similar procedure, but nothing has been confirmed.

How to Get an Xbox Series X/S or PS5 at Costco

Doing any online shopping at Costco requires an account. Although Xbox pre-orders have already closed, PS5 orders have yet to open. A Costco customer service representative couldn't provide concrete information about when PS5 sales would open, saying only that pre-orders would at some point become available. There's also no news about whether in-store pickup or purchasing will be available.

How to Get an Xbox Series X/S or PS5 from Home Shopping Network

Home Shopping Network opened a second wave of Xbox Series S pre-orders this week, but has yet to post listings for the Series X or PS5. They could appear at any time. The Series S listing has sold out despite a $60 markup, so expect a markup on other consoles should they appear on the site.

How to Get a PS5 at B&H Photo Video

B&H Photo Video lists a PlayStation 5 bundle including the Demon's Souls remake, Sackboy's Big Adventure, Spider-Man: Miles Morales and a controller for $750. The bundle isn't yet available for purchase, but you can sign up to be notified via email when it goes live.

How to Get an Xbox Series X/S or PS5 at Kohls

Kohls doesn't appear to be offering pre-orders for any next-gen consoles, but a customer service representative confirmed they would be available for purchase online once they launch.

How to Get a PS5 at Nebraska Furniture Mart

Nebraska Furniture Mart also appears not to be taking pre-orders for the PS5. You can sign up for text or email updates to be notified when the PS5 goes up for sale.