I've worked every PlayStation launch in the last 18 years, here are my top tips on pre-ordering PS5 Pro

PlatformsPlayStationPS5PS5 ProI’ve worked every PlayStation launch in the last 18 years, here are my top tips on pre-ordering PS5 ProWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. PlatformsPlayStationPS5PS5 ProI’ve worked every PlayStation launch in the last 18 years, here are my top tips on pre-ordering PS5 ProWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Sony / Future) ThePS5 Prois about to land, and my experience working in a physical store during the release of the PS3 and PS4 makes me something of a console launch veteran. Not only have I stood in long queues to get hold of systems, but I’ve been the one handing over the goods at 12 am, which means I’ve picked up a few best practices over the years. Half the battle is figuring outwhere to pre-order the PS5 Pro, as many retailers will be fighting for your attention. Initially, you’ll want to head to PS Direct as it’ll be there exclusively until October 10, but it’ll start popping up elsewhere after that point. Ultimately, getting your hands on the new console is the thing that matters most, but that can lead to unwise decisions in the heat of the moment. When time is of the essence, picking up the right bundles and offers can be tricky, and I’ve even ended up picking up new consoles with needless add-ons in the past. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve grabbed a package with games you’re not interested in when something better suited to your needs is available, especially if you end up paying more. With that that in mind, I figured it’d be super helpful to share my top tips for pre-ordering the PS5 Pro, where you’re after the vanilla version or the fancyPlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection. Arguably, there’s no “wrong” way to buy a new console, but there’s certainly ways you can save money and end up with a better value package. 1. Prepare for the PS Direct launch (Image credit: Sony) If you’re looking to grab a PS5 Pro ASAP, you’ll want to be first in line for a PS Direct pre-order. We’re still waiting on an exact live date for reservations, but it’s vital that you show up early and ready to purchase. In the instance that you’re presented with out of stock signs before getting hold of a console, you’ll want to practice patience and familiarise yourself with the refresh button, as units can pop back up due to cancellations and failed transactions. 2. Triple check pricing (Image credit: PlayStation) 3. Stick with reliable retailers It’s tempting to grab any available PS5 Pro stock at launch regardless of the seller. Sometimes this will pan out just fine, but buying the console off a random marketplace seller comes with major caveats. If it turns outSony’s latest console has a hardware defect, you won’t be able to easily get a refund or exchange. PS5 Pro recommended retailers(Image credit: PlayStation)Amazon:Check stockBest Buy:Check stockWalmart:Check stockGamestop:Check stock PS5 Pro recommended retailers (Image credit: PlayStation)Amazon:Check stockBest Buy:Check stockWalmart:Check stockGamestop:Check stock (Image credit: PlayStation) Amazon:Check stockBest Buy:Check stockWalmart:Check stockGamestop:Check stock I had countless conversations with players having to come to the store I worked in to buy a replacement PS4 with a faulty HDMI port. Had they bought the console from a retailer with set return polices and warranty coverage, they would have been able to get an exchange. Instead, they ended up having to buy the system again at full price, and with the PS5 Pro costing $700, that’ll sting even more this time around. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more An added bonus to buying from retailers is that discount codes are more likely to be thing. If you’re planning on visiting a physical store, keeping any loyalty cards you may have handy is important too, as unexpected savings can swing in to save the day. Many shoppers at the store I used to work with would forget they had coupons tied to their accounts, and it always brought be joy to remind people about them when buying expensive new consoles and games. 4. Consider all bundles (Image credit: Sony) I am personally guilty of the whole “buy first, ask bundle questions later” thing. During the PS5 launch, I had some success using waiting lists, but I was then told that the only bundle available to me came with 12 months of PS Plus that I didn’t need and $10 credit. Did I save any money with this combo? Hell no, and that’s exactly what you should be careful of during the PS5 Pro launch. Admittedly, pre-ordering the PS5 Pro means you’ll be able to consider all available options before clicking buy. Time might be of the essence depending on demand, but it’s well worth checking each available bundle and ensuring it’s suited to your needs. Ideally, you’ll want some sort of discounted tied to any multibuys, but if picking up the console on its own isn’t an option, you’ll want to base your purchase on add-ons you’d be buying anyway, whether that’s digital extras or physical accessories like PS5 controllers. It’s worth stressing that stock in general is likely to be limited if PS Direct supplies sell out fast. Out of stock signs at Sony itself will lead to an influx of players shopping at retailers when general available is expanded, so your options may ultimately end up limited. I’d keep this in mind when trying to narrow down bundles, and having a good idea of what you need is crucial. 5. Don’t forget a disc drive (Image credit: Sony) To make the disc drive dilemma even worse, the attachment is largely out of stock right now. That means if you do manage to grab a PS5 Pro at launch, you’ll likely have to stick with digital games until they’re available. Circling back to the idea of choosing the right bundle, I’d implore you try and grab a console that comes with the drive if they’re available. If you don’t have any games digitally tied to yourPSNaccount and have no interest in buying any, I’d actually advise holding off on buying the console. 6. Avoid needlessly boarding the hype train (Image credit: Sony / Future) You’d be surprised how many people out there end up pre-ordering a console purely due to hype. While I do think plenty of players will buy the PS5 Pro with the right intent, I have friends who have previously picked up console revisions without thinking things though. As a result, they end up realizing they’ve picked up a system that they didn’t really need, and that could very much be a thing this time around. My advice to you is this - if you’ve not got even the OG system right now, I’d seriously consider ask if youshould pre-order the PS5 Pro. Those of you who are tired of choosing between performance and quality modes in your favorite games, or want to experience better ray tracing effects, have something to gain in picking up the revamp. As for everyone else, you’d be much better off starting off with the PS5 Slim for $449.99, especially since it’ll have access to the exact same games. 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start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”