According to an Amazon listing, it appears Amazon Prime members may be getting first dibs on PlayStation 5 consoles in a restock likely coming today. PS5 restocks have been highly sought after for almost a year now, as chip shortages have prevented PlayStation and Xbox from being able to match demand on their new consoles. Scalpers have also put an even greater hindrance on the ability to secure a console, but it seems like places like Amazon is trying to counter this.
Retailers like GameStop are offering premium access to PS5 orders, ensuring that it's more difficult for bots and scalpers to snatch up the consoles. GameStop is offering early access to the console for its Pro members, which requires a paid subscription. Not only is this beneficial to GameStop's existing business model, but it also helps combat bots to a certain degree. Although there's a chance some scalpers don't mind paying for a subscription, it's still an extra obstacle in their way.
It appears Amazon will be doing something similar and is likely planning an imminent PS5 restock, as well. Amazon updated the listings for both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition to note that Amazon Prime members will be given priority access to the consoles "until September 21, 2021" (via Wario64). Ideally, this will give genuine customers a better shot at nabbing their own consoles, but it remains to be seen how effective it will be. Additionally, the "until" phrasing is somewhat confusing. The timing has nonetheless tipped off PlayStation 5 restock watchdogs to a probable PS5 restock on Amazon.
In a similar turn, Best Buy will stock PS5 consoles in-store soon, something that virtually no retailer has done yet due to supply constraints. Perhaps this will signal PS5s being much easier to come by, but only time will tell. It seems like Sony is trying to make a big holiday push and ensure people can get their hands on the console with relative ease. Despite having no big first-party exclusives this holiday season, Sony already has a stacked 2022 and will want to start building out its player base as soon as possible.
Microsoft hasn't made quite as big of an effort yet to ensure Xbox consoles will be more readily available during the holiday season, but with several exclusives inbound, it seems likely the company will ramp up its efforts soon. The PS5 shortage is expected to last until 2023, but Sony may try to find ways, such as utilizing how it distributes the consoles through retail, to ensure more consoles actually end up in the hands of consumers.
Source: Amazon (via Wario64/Twitter)