PS5 Black Friday Deals: What Happened Last Year?

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PS5 Black Friday Deals: What Happened Last Year?

Hey everyone! Getting ready for this year's Black Friday and dreaming of snagging a PS5? It's a smart move to look back at what happened last year to get a sense of what to expect. So, let’s dive into the PS5 Black Friday deals from last year and see if we can predict what's coming this time around.

What We Saw Last Year

Last year, finding a PS5 during Black Friday was like searching for a needle in a haystack. The console was still relatively new, and demand far outweighed supply. Most major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target had listings, but they sold out almost instantly. Scalpers were also a huge problem, buying up consoles and reselling them at ridiculous prices.

Bundle Deals: Some retailers offered bundle deals, which usually included the console along with a game or two, an extra controller, or a subscription to PlayStation Plus. These bundles were often the only way to get a PS5 at retail price, but they required you to spend more money upfront. For example, you might have seen a bundle with Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Demon's Souls. These bundles were attractive because they offered immediate value, letting you jump into gaming right away.

Online vs. In-Store: Most deals were online-only due to the pandemic, which made it even more competitive. Websites crashed, and virtual queues were common. Those who braved the in-store experience often faced long lines and limited stock. It was truly a chaotic scene! The shift to online shopping meant that speed and preparation were key. Having accounts set up and payment information saved was crucial for anyone hoping to score a console.

Limited Discounts: Actual discounts on the console itself were rare. Most deals focused on those aforementioned bundles or discounts on accessories and games. If you were hoping for a straight price cut on the PS5, you were likely disappointed. Instead, retailers used the high demand to maintain the price point while sweetening the pot with extra goodies.

The Scalper Situation: Scalpers using bots made it incredibly difficult for regular consumers to purchase a PS5. These bots would automatically buy up available stock, which the scalpers would then resell at inflated prices on sites like eBay and StockX. This made the already challenging situation even worse, as many people were priced out of the market.

Key Retailers and Their Strategies

Let's take a quick look at how some of the major retailers approached Black Friday last year:

  • Amazon: Amazon typically had lightning deals that popped up unexpectedly. You had to be quick and constantly refresh the page to have a chance. Amazon Prime members often had early access, giving them a slight edge.
  • Best Buy: Best Buy used a virtual queue system, which was both a blessing and a curse. While it prevented the website from crashing, it also meant waiting in a virtual line for hours, with no guarantee of getting a console.
  • Walmart: Walmart released stock in waves throughout Black Friday, which meant you had to keep checking back periodically. This strategy kept people engaged but also frustrated many who missed out.
  • Target: Target primarily offered the PS5 online, with limited in-store availability. They often had regional differences in stock, so what was available in one area might not have been in another.

Lessons Learned from Last Year

So, what can we learn from last year’s Black Friday PS5 frenzy? Here are a few key takeaways:

  • Be Prepared: Set up accounts with all major retailers and save your payment information. The faster you can check out, the better your chances.
  • Follow Social Media: Follow retailers and deal trackers on social media for real-time updates on stock availability.
  • Consider Bundles: Be open to buying a bundle, even if it includes items you don't necessarily need. It might be the only way to secure a console at retail price.
  • Be Persistent: Don't give up after the first try. Stock often gets replenished throughout the day, so keep checking back.
  • Avoid Scalpers: Resist the urge to buy from scalpers, even if it means waiting longer. Paying inflated prices only encourages the practice.

Predicting This Year's Black Friday

Now, let's put on our prediction hats and think about what this year's Black Friday might look like for PS5 deals. Several factors could influence the availability and types of deals we see.

Increased Stock Levels: One of the biggest differences this year could be improved stock levels. Sony has been working hard to ramp up production, and while demand is still high, it might not be as crazy as last year. If this is the case, we might see more consoles available at retail price, without the need for bundles.

Continued Focus on Online Sales: While in-store shopping is making a comeback, online sales will likely remain a significant part of Black Friday. Retailers have invested heavily in their online infrastructure, and they've learned a lot from the past few years. Expect virtual queues, staggered releases, and other online-only strategies.

More Diverse Bundles: If retailers still rely on bundles, we might see more variety in what's included. Instead of just games, they could offer bundles with accessories like headsets, charging stations, or even PlayStation VR2 equipment. This could make the bundles more appealing to a wider range of consumers.

Potential for Discounts: With potentially higher stock levels, there's a chance we might see some actual discounts on the PS5 itself. While it's unlikely to be a huge price cut, even a small discount could make a big difference.

How to Prepare for This Year's Hunt

Based on what we've learned from last year and predictions for this year, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for this Black Friday's PS5 hunt:

  1. Create Accounts: Make sure you have accounts with all major retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and GameStop. Save your payment information and shipping address to speed up the checkout process.
  2. Monitor Social Media: Follow retailers and deal trackers on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit. Set up notifications so you don't miss any announcements.
  3. Join Email Lists: Sign up for email newsletters from major retailers. They often send out exclusive deals and early access information to their subscribers.
  4. Download Apps: Download the mobile apps for your favorite retailers. Apps can sometimes offer a smoother shopping experience than websites, especially during peak traffic times.
  5. Check Regularly: Start checking retailer websites and apps in the days leading up to Black Friday. Some deals might go live early, and you don't want to miss out.
  6. Be Flexible: Be open to buying a bundle or considering a different version of the PS5, such as the Digital Edition. Having options can increase your chances of success.
  7. Set a Budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend and stick to your budget. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and overspend, so having a plan can help you stay in control.
  8. Enlist Help: Team up with friends or family members to increase your chances of finding a PS5. You can divide and conquer, with each person monitoring different retailers.
  9. Stay Patient: Getting a PS5 on Black Friday can be a marathon, not a sprint. Be prepared to wait in virtual queues, refresh pages, and deal with potential setbacks. Don't get discouraged if you don't succeed right away.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday PS5 deals can be intense, but with the right preparation, you can increase your chances of snagging one. By learning from last year's experiences and staying informed about this year's predictions, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the Black Friday battlefield. Good luck, and happy hunting!