Months after launch, buying a PS5 or Xbox Series X remains a remarkably tricky task, requiring lightning-quick reactions, and more than a pinch of good fortune. We’ve been tracking restocks since before launch, and the situation has been nothing short of a disaster.
Gamers eager to get their hands on a next-gen machine naturally gravitate towards Amazon, Currys PC World, Argos and Game in hopes of securing an in-demand console. However, there are a wide variety of alternative retailers out there which don’t have the same name recognition and are well worth bookmarking.
- PS5 restock in UK — track on Twitter, Amazon, Game, Argos and more
- Where to buy Xbox Series X UK — latest restock from Game, Currys, Argos and more
- Plus: PS5 players shouldn't worry about Xbox Series X Bethesda deal — here's why
A retailer not being as well known is actually a big advantage for customers. As when smaller retailers do restock, you have a potentially increased chance of scoring a PS5 or Xbox Series X as there will be less competition.
Here's a list of the smaller retailers we've compiled:
Alternative retailers for PS5 and Xbox Series X restock — Quick links
- Simply Games: check stock
- Box: check stock
- Smyths Toys: check stock
- The Game Collection: check stock
- Scan: check stock
- AO: check stock
Alternative retailers for PS5 and Xbox Series X restock
Anyone who has gone through, or is currently still experiencing, the frustration of trying to buy one of these next-gen consoles can attest to the nightmare that is overloaded website servers.
Just about every retailer on the internet has at some point buckled under the strain of the overwhelming demand for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Even the likes of Amazon crashed in the face of thousands of customers all trying to buy the same product.
Smaller retailers also seem to be more invested in preventing scalpers compared to the big market players. We’ve seen some of the retailers above using systems such as requiring customers to register their interest ahead of time and even using a lottery system to fairly allocate stock.
The downside is that these retailers typically tend to get smaller allocations compared to the high street names, and typically restock less frequently. However, if you’re still trying to get yourself that much-coveted order confirmation email, then you might have a little more luck at one of the retailers down below.
It’s also worth bookmarking our guide on where to buy a PS5 in the UK, and our guide on where to buy an Xbox Series X in the UK — we keep these updated with the latest stock information as we get it.