The PlayStation 5 remains a top-tier gaming system in 2025, but it's a significant investment. Pricing starts at $399 for the standard PS5 and $699 for the PS5 Pro, so careful budgeting is advised. For fans eager to dive into exclusive titles like Stellar Blade and Astro Bot, it's a worthwhile purchase. The console also excels as a 4K streaming device for your television. The good news is that discounts and bundled offers for the PlayStation 5 are available throughout the year if you time your purchase right.
Whether you're interested in the PS5 Slim or the more advanced PS5 Pro, we've identified the best buying opportunities for 2025 and later. From major holidays to dedicated sales events, there are numerous chances to snag a console at a great price. While deals vary by retailer, we've highlighted the key events to watch. The ideal time to buy a PlayStation 5 is when it's either on sale or comes packaged with a free game, so remember these sale periods to maximize your savings.
Note: Due to potential changes in U.S. trade policy, now might be an advantageous time to buy gaming hardware and accessories. The current suspension on import tariffs is scheduled to end on August 12, 2025. If tariffs are reinstated, the cost of products made outside the U.S. could rise substantially.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a PS5?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are typically your best opportunities to find a discounted PlayStation 5. These major shopping holidays take place in November, right after Thanksgiving. Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28. This event is known for in-store promotions, with leading retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target offering exclusive PlayStation 5 deals that are often only available at physical locations.
Following Black Friday is Cyber Monday, which is scheduled for Monday, December 2 this year. This online-focused event is particularly strong for electronics deals. Based on previous years, we anticipate significant PlayStation 5 discounts will be available on this day.
In recent years, Black Friday sales have expanded into a season-long event, stretching from several weeks before the official date to several weeks after, covering much of the holiday period. This is when you'll typically find major PlayStation 5 bundles and numerous discounts on PS5 games. If you're looking to purchase both a console and games on a budget, Black Friday is undoubtedly the most cost-effective time of the year.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is another excellent annual event for purchasing a PlayStation 5. The sale often includes heavily discounted PS5 games, allowing you to build your game library affordably. Other retailers frequently run competing sales around the same time, increasing the likelihood of finding a great PlayStation 5 deal. These promotions can sometimes manifest as extended Fourth of July sales or unexpected weekend discounts. If you can afford to wait, Prime Day is a smart time to buy a PS5.
Around Major Game Releases
Sony often creates special console bundles for its major first-party releases and third-party exclusives, such as Final Fantasy XVI. These PlayStation 5 bundles are frequently discounted around the launch of a major title, providing an incentive for customers to buy the system and the new game together. Furthermore, these bundles often go on sale again a few months after the included game's release as Sony works to clear existing stock. Past bundles have featured games like Spider-Man 2, NBA 2K25, and the most recent bundle included Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Throughout the Summer
Summer is another prime season for buying a PlayStation 5. Following major industry events like Summer Game Fest, Sony and other companies often host sales to celebrate. This includes discounts on games, accessories, controllers, and consoles like the PlayStation 5. The annual PlayStation Summer Sale typically runs from July through August, making it a fantastic time to buy games as well. Note that this year's Days of Play event has already concluded.
The late summer period is also advantageous, as retailers begin preparing for the fall season. They often clear out inventory of older console models to make room for new bundles, which can lead to discounted prices on PlayStation 5 consoles and related items.
Should You Consider the PlayStation 5 Pro?
Modern gaming consoles typically have a lifespan of six to eight years. The PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020, placing us over five years into its generation. Therefore, it's worth considering if investing in the PS5 Pro is the better long-term choice.
PlayStation 5 Pro
$699.00 at Amazon
Released in November 2024, the PlayStation 5 Pro comes with significantly upgraded hardware. Its arrival prompted price cuts on the standard PS5, including a $70 discount on the PS5 Slim during the holiday season. If you're content with the current PS5's performance and game library, watching for further price reductions is a budget-conscious strategy. However, if you want a console ready for the next wave of gaming, it may be wise to wait for Black Friday discounts or special bundles on the PS5 Pro.
PlayStation 5 Slim
The PS5 isn't just one of the best gaming consoles available; it also functions as a high-quality Blu-Ray player. See it at Amazon
