PS5 Black Friday 2022: Deals & Predictions

The PS5 Black Friday 2022 sales event was highly anticipated by gamers worldwide. As one of the most sought-after gaming consoles, the PlayStation 5 was expected to see significant deals during this period. Let's dive into what happened during the Black Friday PS5 sales and make predictions for future events.

What Happened During PS5 Black Friday 2022?

Black Friday 2022 was a major event for retailers and consumers alike. The PS5, being a hot commodity, attracted a lot of attention. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target offered various deals, bundles, and discounts to lure in shoppers. However, due to ongoing supply chain issues, deals were not as widespread or deep as some had hoped.

Key Retailers and Their Offers

• Amazon: Offered lightning deals and limited-time discounts on PS5 bundles with games and accessories. Amazon Prime members often had early access to these deals.
• Best Buy: Provided PS5 bundles and gift card promotions. Shoppers could often find deals that included an extra controller or a popular game title.
• Walmart: Had competitive pricing on standalone PS5 consoles and bundles. They also offered online and in-store deals, catering to different shopping preferences.
• Target: Offered discounts through their Target Circle program and provided bundle deals similar to other retailers. Target also had in-store events with limited quantities.

Types of Deals Available

1. Bundled Deals: These were the most common type of PS5 Black Friday deals. Retailers combined the PS5 with popular games like God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Forbidden West, or accessories like extra controllers and headsets.
2. Discounted Consoles: While rare, some retailers offered small discounts on the standalone PS5 console. These were highly competitive and often sold out quickly.
3. Gift Card Promotions: Some stores offered gift cards with the purchase of a PS5. This was a great way for shoppers to get additional value and use the gift cards for future purchases.
4. Trade-In Programs: Retailers like GameStop offered trade-in programs where customers could trade in their old consoles or games for credit towards a PS5 purchase.

Challenges Faced

Despite the anticipation, several challenges impacted the PS5 Black Friday sales:

• Supply Chain Issues: The global chip shortage and supply chain disruptions significantly limited the availability of the PS5. This made it difficult for retailers to offer substantial discounts.
• Scalpers and Bots: Scalpers using bots to purchase consoles in bulk made it harder for regular consumers to get their hands on a PS5 at retail prices.
• Limited Stock: Many retailers had limited stock, leading to quick sell-outs and frustrated customers. This scarcity drove up prices on the resale market.

Predictions for Future PS5 Black Friday Sales

Looking ahead, here are some predictions for future PS5 Black Friday sales events. Hopefully, the supply chain will normalize, and more consumers will have the chance to snag a deal.

Increased Availability

As supply chain issues ease, we can expect increased availability of the PS5 during future Black Friday sales. This means retailers will have more consoles to offer, leading to more competitive deals and fewer instances of quick sell-outs.

Deeper Discounts

With greater availability, retailers may be more inclined to offer deeper discounts on the PS5. We might see larger price cuts on the standalone console and more generous bundle deals with multiple games and accessories.

More Creative Bundles

Retailers will likely get more creative with their bundle offerings. Expect to see bundles tailored to different gaming preferences, such as a sports bundle with Madden and an extra controller or an adventure bundle with Uncharted and a premium headset.

Enhanced Online Experience

Retailers will continue to improve their online shopping experience to handle the high demand during Black Friday. This includes implementing better bot detection measures and optimizing their websites to prevent crashes and slowdowns.

Loyalty Programs and Exclusive Deals

More retailers may offer exclusive PS5 deals to members of their loyalty programs. This could include early access to deals, special discounts, or exclusive bundles not available to the general public. For example, Best Buy might offer exclusive deals to My Best Buy members.

Tips for Snagging a PS5 Deal

Getting a PS5 deal during Black Friday can be challenging, but here are some tips to increase your chances:

1. Start Early: Begin your research and planning well before Black Friday. Keep an eye on retailer websites and social media channels for early announcements and previews.
2. Create a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend and stick to your budget. This will help you avoid overspending and make informed decisions.
3. Monitor Retailer Websites: Regularly check the websites of major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. Sign up for their email newsletters to receive updates on deals and promotions.
4. Use Deal Trackers: Utilize deal tracking websites and apps to monitor PS5 prices and availability. These tools can alert you when a deal becomes available.
5. Be Quick: Black Friday deals often sell out quickly, so be ready to act fast when you find a deal you like. Have your payment information ready and be prepared to check out immediately.
6. Consider Bundles: Bundles can offer great value, especially if you're interested in the included games or accessories. Compare different bundles to find the best deal for your needs.
7. Check Local Stores: Don't overlook local stores and smaller retailers. They may have PS5 stock and offer competitive deals.
8. Be Patient: If you don't find a deal right away, don't give up. Black Friday sales often continue throughout the weekend, and new deals may appear.
9. Avoid Scalpers: Resist the temptation to buy a PS5 from scalpers at inflated prices. While it may be tempting to get the console immediately, it's better to wait for a legitimate deal.
10. Follow Social Media: Follow retailers and deal tracking accounts on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. They often post updates on PS5 availability and deals.

Conclusion

The PS5 Black Friday 2022 sales event was a mixed bag, with some consumers finding great deals and others struggling to get their hands on the coveted console. Supply chain issues and high demand created challenges, but retailers still offered various bundles and promotions. Looking ahead, we can expect increased availability, deeper discounts, and more creative bundles in future Black Friday sales. By following the tips outlined above, you can increase your chances of snagging a PS5 deal and enjoying the latest gaming experience.

Happy gaming, and good luck with your future Black Friday hunting!