So, you’re eyeing a PlayStation 5. It’s basically the "forever" console at this point, but man, those prices have been a total rollercoaster lately. If you're holding out for the big November sales, you're probably asking the same thing everyone else is: how much will the PS5 be on Black Friday this year?
Honestly, the answer isn't as simple as a single number anymore. We’re deep into the console’s lifecycle, but Sony has been weirdly aggressive with pricing shifts. Last year, in 2025, we saw something we didn't expect. Sony actually cut $100 off every single model. That brought the Digital Edition down to $399 and the Disc Slim to $449. Even the beefy PS5 Pro, which had just launched, got a surprise drop to $649 at retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
But will that happen again?
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The Real Price of a PS5 on Black Friday
Based on how things moved last November, we have a pretty clear roadmap. Sony loves that $100 off psychological barrier. It makes the console feel like a "steal" even though, funny enough, $399 was the original launch price for the digital version back in 2020.
Here is what you should realistically expect to see in the 2026 circulars:
- PS5 Slim Digital Edition: Expect it to hit $349 to $379. Sony really wants people on the digital storefront because that’s where they make the real money.
- PS5 Slim Disc Edition: You’ll likely see this sitting at $399 to $429. If it hits $399, it’ll sell out in minutes.
- PS5 Pro: This is the wildcard. Last year it hit $649. This year, it might stay there or potentially touch **$599** if Sony feels pressure from the rumored next-gen teases.
It’s kinda wild to think we’re still talking about $400+ for a console this old. But inflation and component costs are real. Sony even hiked prices in some regions throughout 2025, so these Black Friday "deals" are often just bringing the price back to what it used to be.
Bundles Are Where the Real Math Happens
Direct discounts are great, but bundles are usually the better play. Last year, the "Fortnite Flowering Chaos" bundle and the "NBA 2K26" bundle were the big winners. Usually, you pay the discounted console price and get a $70 game (or $50 worth of currency/skins) essentially for free.
Retailers like Target and Best Buy love to throw in a "sweetener." Sometimes it’s a $25 gift card. Other times, it’s a second DualSense controller for half price. If you see a PS5 Slim Disc with a second controller for $450 total, grab it. A second controller usually costs $75, so that’s a massive win for couch co-op.
What about the "Ghost of Yōtei" bundles?
Since Ghost of Yōtei was a massive hit recently, expect limited edition bundles to be the "hot" item of 2026. These usually don't get the same deep $100 discounts. They tend to stay closer to $499 because collectors will buy them regardless. If you just want to play the games, stick to the plain white Slim. It plays the exact same software.
Don't Forget the Hidden Costs
Buying the console is just the start. You're going to want extra storage. The PS5 Slim comes with 1TB, which sounds like a lot until you install Call of Duty and GTA VI.
Black Friday is the absolute best time to buy an M.2 SSD. You can usually find a 2TB WD-Black SN850P—the one with the official PlayStation logo—for about $160. That's a huge drop from the $250+ it usually commands. Also, keep an eye on the DualSense Edge. It rarely goes on sale, but it hit $160 last year. If you’re a "sweaty" competitive player, that's the one you want.
Where to Buy to Avoid the Bots
Scalpers aren't as bad as they were in 2021, but they still exist.
- PlayStation Direct: Always the safest bet. Shipping is fast, and they usually have the best stock of the "limited edition" stuff.
- Amazon: Great for the $100 off deals, but prices flicker every five minutes.
- Walmart: They love "early access" for Plus members. If you aren't a member, the deals might be gone before you can click "add to cart."
- Best Buy: Best for bundles. They often have exclusive "My Best Buy" discounts that knock another $10 or $20 off the Black Friday price.
Is the PS5 Pro Worth the Extra Cash?
Look, honestly? For most people, no. The Pro is for the person with a 77-inch OLED who cares about 60fps at 4K. If you’re playing on a 27-inch monitor or an older 1080p TV, the Slim Digital at $349 is the smartest money you can spend. You get the same library of games without the "enthusiast" tax.
Actionable Steps for Your 2026 Purchase
If you want to secure the lowest price, don't wait until the actual Friday in November. The deals usually start going live the Friday before (around November 20th).
- Check the August/September price trends. If Sony raises prices again before the holidays, the "discount" will just be a return to the current price.
- Set up "In Stock" alerts on sites like DekuDeals or Wario64 on X (formerly Twitter).
- Ignore the "MSRP" on the box. Retailers often inflate the "original price" to make a $50 discount look like $150. Always compare the price to the current $449/$499 standard.
The most important thing is to move fast. These consoles still lead the market for a reason. Once the $350 Digital Editions hit the web, they won't stay there long.