If you haven’t been able to secure Sony or Microsoft’s latest consoles yet, this might be your chance. Today at 3PM ET / 12PM PT, Walmart will be selling the disc-based PlayStation 5, the disc-less Digital Edition, and the Xbox Series X. It’s the kind of big restock event that’s becoming increasingly rare as we get closer to the holidays.
You may know the drill at this point, but while it’s usually first come, first served, the key is to be persistent and keep trying even if you get an error somewhere along the way or encounter an “out of stock” message. Since Walmart’s redesign a few months ago, restock events have been a little on the wonky side, so just keep trying. Though, it still tends to release new waves of stock every 10 minutes, so don’t give up hope if you strike out once.
To prepare, be sure to log in to your account ahead of time and add or update your billing and shipping info, which will help you save time during the checkout process. Anything you can do ahead of time to reduce the friction and decrease the times it takes at checkout is worth considering. To that point, we also suggest that you log in and enter your credentials in the Walmart mobile app beforehand, which may increase your odds of securing a console.
Starting first with the consoles.
The PS5 Digital Edition costs $400. Compared to the PS5, this console is $100 less and does not include a Blu-ray disc drive.
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s flagship console, serving as its most powerful (and biggest) option. While the Series S is aimed at smooth 1440p performance and takes a disc-less aproach, the $500 Series X is focused on fast, 4K gameplay.
The consoles may be the main course, but don’t forget to order some extra sides for when you have company over. Here are a few accessories to consider for both consoles.
For PlayStation
Cosmic red DualSense PS5 controller
Like the original DualSense controller, the cosmic red model features adaptive triggers and haptic feedback but with a vibrant red-and-black design.
Sony’s Pulse 3D wireless gaming headset is worth the roughly $100 price tag if you want a wireless model that can let the audio in some PS5-exclusive games shine. It sounds fantastic with launch titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon’s Souls, as well as more recent hits like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Like the console, this headset has been a little tough to find, but it’s coming back in stock more frequently these days. Sony is also releasing a midnight black version of the headset for $100 on October 22nd, which you can preorder now from Sony.
PlayStation Plus (annual subscription)
A membership to PlayStation Plus allows PS4 and PS5 owners to play games online, download free titles every month, and take advantage of discounts on the PS Store. Currently, Eneba is offering Reporter Door readers a 12-month subscription for around $36 with the promo code 365DAYS.
For Xbox
Microsoft’s latest Xbox controller features a Share button and a USB-C charging port if you use the optional rechargeable battery.
You don’t have to miss a call while you game thanks to Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Headset, which is selling for $89 instead of $100 at Best Buy and GameStop. In our review, we found it to be a comfortable, intuitively designed headset that’s well worth its cost. In addition to working well with Xbox consoles, it can connect to another device simultaneously via Bluetooth.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (three-months)
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers access to more than 100 games, including Doom, Gears 5, and the soon-to-be-released Halo Infinite, which you’ll be able to play on multiple devices. Right now, Eneba is offering a three-month subscription to the service for $26 when you use code 90DAYS.