Sony’s Playstation 5 has been basically out of stock since its release on Nov. 12. Everytime it is restocked, it sells out in seconds. People who buy PS5 consoles in bulk with bots and sell them for profit are called scalpers. They sit around all day and try to get as many consoles as possible. As a result, the PS5 is basically impossible to get unless you are willing to fork over $1,200 for one on Ebay. Despite the odds, I copped a PS5 on Feb. 25. This is how I did it:

When pre-orders for the PS5 began in October, I didn’t even think about getting one. By the time they were officially released in November, I decided I really wanted one. I got my hopes up about a Walmart drop around late November. It sold out within seconds, and I didn’t think I was ever going to get a PS5. I am not one to give up, so I kept trying. 

I didn’t really know where to look to get informed about upcoming drops until I downloaded an app called “HotStock.” I learned about it from my sister who learned about it from Kaeden Strum. She told me he got one from Best Buy using the app, so I decided to download it and test my luck. 

I tried over and over to get a PS5. I clicked on the notifications from the app right away and it was still sold out by the time I got there. “HotStock” has a chat feature where other users can talk about drops and whether or not they copped a PS5. No one else seemed to be having any luck either. It seemed hopeless.

I knew I needed to step up my game and came up with a plan. Various sources around the internet said Target was dropping PS5s on Feb. 25. My plan was to use my mom’s Target RedCard to get a PS5 tax-free, so I downloaded the Target app and logged in with her account. I needed to be as fast as possible in order to get a PS5 before the scalpers. 

On the morning of Feb. 25, I woke up and took a shower like normal. Instead of eating breakfast, I waited in my room. Target typically drops around 6:40ish so I waited for the app to restock. I refreshed and refreshed and there it was in green: In stock at Altoona. 8 left. I clicked add to cart over and over because it never works on the first try. Then it happened. I had it in my cart! I was so excited and pressed check out as fast as possible. Error. I was frustrated, but I could feel that I was going to get it. I kept pressing check out and almost gave up. I looked at my phone in defeat and was shocked. Getting your order ready. 

After a month of constant failure I had secured a PS5! Later that night, she picked it up and brought it home for me. I still cannot believe that I got it. I don’t think I would’ve if I wasn’t so persistent. I have been having so much fun playing it and have already beaten “The Last of Us” and started “The Last of Us Part II.” After I finish those two I hope to get “Spider-Man: Miles Morales.” To wrap up my success story, I want to give a little advice to any of you out there who are going through the same struggle I was. Don’t give up and follow restock accounts on Twitter to better your chances. Be as fast as possible or you won’t get it. Best Buy and Target are probably your best chance at getting a PS5. Good luck everyone! And DO NOT buy from scalpers!