PS5 Black Friday Deals: What Happened Last Year?

Hey everyone! Are you gearing up for this year's Black Friday, dreaming of finally snagging that elusive PS5? I know the feeling! The hunt for the PlayStation 5 has been a wild ride, and Black Friday is always circled on our calendars as a potential goldmine. But to make the best plan for this year's sales, let's take a look back. What did the PS5 Black Friday deals look like last year? Knowing what happened in the past can give us some clues – and a healthy dose of expectation management – for the upcoming shopping frenzy.

What We Expected (and What Actually Happened)

Leading up to last year's Black Friday, the rumor mill was in full swing. We were all refreshing websites, following Twitter accounts, and joining Discord servers, hoping for even a hint of PS5 restocks or, dare we dream, discounts. The reality, however, was a bit more subdued. Keep in mind that supply chain issues were still a major headache last year. The global chip shortage, combined with shipping delays, meant that just getting a PS5 at all, regardless of a discount, felt like winning the lottery. Many of us were hoping retailers would offer bundles – a PS5 with an extra controller, a game, or a PlayStation Plus subscription – as a way to add value without technically discounting the console itself. These kinds of bundles did pop up, but they were often gone in seconds. Scalpers and bots were, unfortunately, still a significant problem. So even when deals did appear, getting through checkout was a Herculean task. The biggest expectation was for major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target to have some sort of PS5 availability, even if it wasn't a traditional discount. Many of us were glued to our screens, waiting for those online drops. Some retailers offered in-store raffles or limited stock, which led to some very early morning line-ups. It was intense, to say the least!

Where Did We See PS5 Restocks?

Okay, so let's break down where we actually saw PS5 action last Black Friday. Knowing where to look is half the battle, right? Major retailers were, unsurprisingly, the primary places to watch. Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and GameStop all had some level of PS5 restocks throughout the Black Friday period. However, the key word here is sporadic. There wasn't a consistent flow of consoles; instead, there were sudden drops that were announced with little to no warning. Amazon often had its drops exclusively for Prime members, so having a Prime subscription was definitely an advantage. Best Buy tended to favor its Totaltech members, giving them early access to PS5 restocks. Walmart used its Walmart+ program in a similar way, offering its subscribers a head start. GameStop, as always, focused on bundles. They were a good option if you wanted extra games or accessories, but they weren't ideal if you were just looking for the console itself. Smaller retailers, like Costco and Sam's Club, also had some limited PS5 availability, often as part of larger bundles. It really paid to keep an eye on all the potential sources.

The Types of Deals Available

Let's be real: outright discounts on the PS5 itself were practically nonexistent last year. Given the high demand and limited supply, retailers simply didn't need to cut the price. However, that doesn't mean there weren't any deals to be found. As I mentioned before, bundles were the most common type of offer. These bundles usually included an extra DualSense controller, a popular game like Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, or a subscription to PlayStation Plus. While the price of the bundle was higher than the console alone, it often represented a better value than buying each item separately. Another type of deal we saw was discounts on PS5 accessories. Things like headsets, charging stations, and even external SSDs (to expand the PS5's storage) were often on sale. These were great opportunities to enhance your PS5 gaming experience without breaking the bank. We also saw some deals on PlayStation Plus subscriptions themselves. Retailers would sometimes offer discounts on 12-month subscriptions, which was a smart way to save money if you were planning on using the online features of the PS5. Finally, some retailers offered trade-in deals. You could trade in your old consoles (like a PS4) to get credit towards a PS5. These deals varied quite a bit in terms of value, so it was important to do your research before committing.

Lessons Learned for This Year

So, what can we learn from last year's PS5 Black Friday experience? Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind as you prepare for this year's sales:

• Don't expect huge discounts on the console itself. While things might be slightly better this year in terms of supply, it's still unlikely that we'll see major price cuts on the PS5. Focus on bundles and accessory deals instead.
• Be prepared for online drops. Most retailers will likely continue to release PS5 stock online, with little to no advance warning. Follow social media accounts, sign up for email alerts, and be ready to pounce when you see an opportunity.
• Consider retailer memberships. Programs like Amazon Prime, Best Buy Totaltech, and Walmart+ can give you early access to PS5 restocks. If you're serious about getting a console, it might be worth signing up for one of these.
• Don't forget about smaller retailers. Keep an eye on stores like Costco, Sam's Club, and even local game shops. They might have limited stock that the big retailers miss.
• Be wary of scalpers and bots. Unfortunately, these are still a problem. Use secure checkout methods and be cautious of suspicious-looking websites.
• Patience is key. Getting a PS5 on Black Friday can be a marathon, not a sprint. Don't get discouraged if you don't succeed right away. Keep trying, and eventually, you'll get lucky.

What About This Year? My Predictions

Okay, so based on what we saw last year, and what we're hearing now, here are my predictions for this year's PS5 Black Friday deals:

• Slightly better availability: Supply chain issues have improved somewhat, so I'm cautiously optimistic that there will be more PS5 consoles available this year than last year.
• More bundles: Retailers will likely continue to focus on bundles, offering the PS5 with extra controllers, games, and subscriptions. Look for bundles that include the new Spider-Man 2 game – those will be popular.
• Accessory discounts: Expect to see discounts on PS5 accessories like headsets, controllers, and SSDs. This is a great way to upgrade your gaming setup without spending a fortune.
• Trade-in deals: Trade-in programs will likely be back, offering credit towards a PS5 when you trade in your old consoles. Compare the values carefully before committing.
• Online drops and limited in-store stock: Retailers will probably continue to use a combination of online drops and limited in-store stock to manage demand. Be prepared for both.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday PS5 deals are always a bit of a gamble, but with the right preparation and a bit of luck, you can increase your chances of finally getting your hands on that coveted console. Remember to do your research, be patient, and don't give up! Good luck, everyone, and happy hunting! I hope this breakdown of last year's Black Friday helped set your expectations and gave you some strategies for success this year. Now, go get that PS5! You deserve it! Keep your eyes peeled and fingers ready! Happy gaming! And may the odds be ever in your favor! Seriously though, good luck! Remember, persistence and preparation are your best friends in this quest. And don't forget to have a little fun amidst the chaos! After all, it's just a game console (albeit a very desirable one). So, stay positive, stay informed, and stay ready to snag that PS5 this Black Friday! You got this! I believe in you! Now go forth and conquer! Happy shopping!