The PS5 release date is rapidly approaching. Sony has been saying "Holiday 2020" all along, but yesterday some clever research done in South America suggested that it will be after November 17. But yesterday, some clever research done in South America suggested that it will be after November 17: November 20.

The evidence comes from Amazon Japan (via Twitter), which lists a number of PS5 accessories, from headsets to charging stands, with a Friday, November 20 release date. No date is listed for the console itself, but it is quite odd for accessories to be sold before the console itself.

Of course, it is possible that the accessories will be released after the console, or it could simply be a release date with no basis in fact. To us, however, this seems legitimate for several reasons.

First of all, this information is consistent with what was previously leaked from the "Fortnite" press release. This release emphasized that the DLC would be released on November 17, "in time" for the release of the PlayStation 5.

Second, it also makes sense in historical context: both the PS3 and PS4 were released on Friday in the US. After the Fortnite DLC, and assuming it has to be before the Christmas rush in December, that leaves two options: November 20 and November 27. The latter is Black Friday. It would be strange for Sony to launch a new game console on the same day that its website, PR people, and consumers are distracted by bargain electronics.

Combine this with the South American information above, and the November 20 date seems quite realistic, at least for North America and Japan; the trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War suggests that players in the US and Canada will get it before the rest of the world. Recall that the trailer for "Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War" suggested that players in the U.S. and Canada would be able to get it before other regions.

While the PS5 release date is getting closer, the thorny issue of the PS5's price is still a mystery. Rumor has it, however, that PlayStation fans have Microsoft to thank a bit in this regard.

Allegedly, the PS5 was priced "significantly" higher until Microsoft revealed the Xbox Series X at $499/£449 and the Xbox Series S at $299/£249. At this point, it would be quite surprising if Sony dares to cross the $500 barrier, but we will have to wait and see.