Walmart is now offering priority restocking of the PS5 to members of its Walmart Plus service.

Last week, the giant retailer restocked its latest next-generation gaming console, but this restocking came with a twist. As a result, the console was never sold to the general public, and all inventory was bought up during Plus' priority access period.

This new Walmart Plus membership benefit gives subscribers to the retailer's premium membership program a chance to purchase the PS5 before the general public. Signing up for Walmart Plus will be very beneficial, especially if you are still looking for a restock of the PS5, given that Walmart's inventory of next-generation gaming consoles typically sells out quickly.

It has not yet been confirmed if the exclusive PS5 restocking will become a regular benefit for Walmart Plus members. While it is possible that this inventory clearance will be a one-time event, it seems likely that Walmart will continue to sell at least a portion of its PS5 allocation exclusively to Plus members. After all, that is a pretty strong incentive to get more customers to sign up, and it appears that the initial Plus member-only sale was deemed a success by the retailer.

Wal-Mart is not the only retailer attempting to offer priority restocking of the PS5; Amazon has previously offered Prime members priority access to Sony's next-generation console, and GameStop has been offering PowerUp Reward Pro members early access to restocks. These systems seem to be helping to deter duffer behavior.

If you're hoping to get your PS5 in time for the holidays, it's worth signing up for a Walmart Plus membership. After all, being able to purchase a console with somewhat less competition should increase your chances of success with the PS5 restocking game.

As you might imagine, signing up for Walmart Plus is very easy, and a 15-day free trial is available so you can see what all the fuss is about before plunking down the cash. Note, however, that trial accounts were not eligible to purchase the console during the first Plus-only PS5 restocking.

Walmart Plus is $98 per year (or $12.95 per month) and can get you quite a bit: priority access to PS5 restocks, unlimited free shipping, quick in-store shopping with Scan & Go, discounts on fuel and general prescription drugs, early access to Walmart Black Friday, and more. If you're a frequent Walmart shopper, that's a pretty good deal.

While it is a bit frustrating that restocking is locked to premium members, becoming a Walmart Plus member may make the very tricky task of securing a PS5 easier; even Plus members are not guaranteed to purchase the console, but the reduced inventory is a priority. Having access to a priority is a great way to create an advantageous situation.

Of course, those looking to purchase the console without spending extra money on a dealer-specific membership should check out the PS5 restocking hub for updates from key retailers.