It’s Unclear How to Even Buy Next Gen Consoles for the Holidays

When will Sony, Microsoft, and retailers learn?

(Credit: Composite, Sony, Microsoft)

I’m not much of a gamer, but as a technologist, I’m still the friends and family go-to person for any intel on next-gen console availability.

“Where can I go to get a PlayStation 5?” they ask me.

I check my imaginary inventory system and tell them what’s been obvious for weeks: “Nowhere. Macy’s ain’t got ’em, Gimbels ain’t got ’em. Nobody’s got ‘em.” I throw in the Miracle on 34th Street quote because I’m such a card. They’re not amused.

“Seriously? Someone must have them.”

They’re right. Scalpers got new Sony PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Xbox Series X and S and they got them by the boatload. There’s evidence of this everywhere because, if you’re okay paying at least double the original $499 list price (roughly $950 and up), you can get one of these ray tracing-supporting game systems.

If you go to eBay for your PS5, be prepared to pay a huge premium.

A site called StockX will let you buy at these inflated prices or bid, with the hope that you’ll do better (you won’t). If you turn to eBay, there are sellers who have literally sold…