We’re fresh out of the multi-year period where it was nearly impossible to get your hands on a PlayStation 5, and now Sony has launched the PlayStation 5 Pro. It has a more powerful graphics processor, better AI upscaling, and a lot more storage – with a correspondingly higher price tag. If you want to get your hands on one when it comes out, though, you might have some elbow grease.

It’s no secret by now that scalpers are armed to the teeth with tools that allow them to snag dozens of PS5s before you can even hit the Buy button. There’s little reason to expect this new console launch to be any different. (Even if its $700 price tag makes it one of the most expensive consoles of all time.) Still, there are things you can do to maximize your chances of getting your hands on one of these consoles. And while you’re at it, check out our guides to the best PS5 accessories and the best PS5 games for more.

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When do pre-orders start?

Photo: Sony PlayStation

Pre-orders for the new PlayStation 5, as well as the extremely limited 30th Anniversary PS5 Pro models designed to recall the original PlayStation, are beginning in phases. The PlayStation Direct website will get the go first, with other retailers following a few weeks later. Here are all the key dates:

The PS5 Pro costs $700 for the disc-less version. If you want to add a disc drive, you’ll have to buy it separately. You can read more about the differences between all the PS5 models here.

Tips to (hopefully) score your pre-order

Photo: Walmart

Unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee that you’ll be able to get a console, even if you’re at your computer when the sale goes live. But there are things you can do to increase your chances: