Finding a new gaming console at launch is always a challenge, and the PS5 is no exception: the PS5 has been extremely difficult to obtain at the pre-order stage since its launch on November 12. Restocking has been unpredictable and infrequent, and Sony has so far given no clear details on how supply of the console is improving.

In a tweet, PlayStation's official account explained that demand for the PS5 is "unprecedented" and that "more PS5 stock will reach retailers by the end of the year."

"Please stay in touch with your local retailers," the message concluded. To say the least, this is not enough.

Sony claims that the PS5 was "the biggest console launch ever. However, given how difficult it was to procure the system, that certainly seems to be true.

Sony's commitment to bring out more consoles by the end of the year is commendable, but a more solid game plan would be welcome. Simply expecting local retailers to get the PS5 and let us know right away is not necessarily the most reliable strategy.

Tom's Guide keeps track of PS5 availability, but even we don't have much to report on that front. As of this writing (5 p.m. Eastern time on November 25), Walmart will receive PS5 later tonight, and retailers such as GameStop and Best Buy will receive limited stock on Black Friday.

Besides that, there is not much solid advice for buying a PS5. It is almost entirely a matter of luck, especially since demand far exceeds supply, a trend that is likely to continue through Christmas.

My personal advice would be to focus all your efforts on finishing the PS4 backlog and get a PS5 early next year when it will (hopefully) be available in abundance almost everywhere.

If not, bookmark the PS5 pages of various retailers and refresh them several times a day as restocks come in. We have found that a good strategy is to update once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Updating more than that will only end up frustrating without significantly increasing the odds.