As shoppers gear up for Black Friday, Walmart has slipped in a discount on the PS5 Slim Digital Edition, listing it for $474.98. On paper, that’s a lower price than usual — but savvy buyers and deal trackers are warning that this early deal may not be the smartest buy.
Here’s why it may be better to hold off, and what to potentially expect in the coming days.
A Small Discount — but Not a Steal
The $474.98 offer represents only a slight reduction from the typical $499 price tag. For a console as popular and sought after as the PS5 Slim, that’s not a huge mark-down.
Deal analysts argue that this Walmart listing could be more of a placeholder than a true early Black Friday blowout. Essentially, Walmart may be testing demand, getting traffic, and setting a visible price point — but not handing out its deepest savings yet.
Why Waiting Makes Sense
Stronger Black Friday Discounts Expected
Historically, Black Friday shakes things up. Big retailers have a lot of incentive to compete, which often leads to deeper discounts, especially on consoles. When the real event hits, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and others usually pull out more aggressive pricing.
Bundles Usually Offer More Value
True Black Friday deals often include bundles — like the console plus a game or an extra controller. These bundles frequently provide better value than a standard console-only discount.
High Competition = Better Deals
When multiple big retailers drop their Black Friday ads, the competition between them can lead to fast, sharp price cuts. Early deals like Walmart’s can be undercut quickly once the full sale cycle begins.
Stock Risk Is Real, but Not Always Worse
Buying early doesn’t always guarantee you’ll get more stock, and in some cases, the real sale might even bring more units. If you wait, you might be able to catch a better deal when stock refreshes for Black Friday.
How to Approach This Situation Smartly
- Set Price-Tracking Alerts: Use deals websites or browser tools to watch PS5 Slim prices so you don’t miss a true Black Friday offer.
- Use This Walmart Price as a Benchmark: Treat the $474.98 listing as a reference point, not your final target.
- Have Your Cart Ready: When major retailers roll out Black Friday deals, have your account logged in, and your payment method ready — good deals often sell out fast.
- Be Flexible With What You’ll Buy: If a console bundle with a game or controller drops for $20–$40 more than the standalone, that might be a smarter pick than this “early deal.”
Why Some People Might Still Buy Now
Not all shoppers are patient:
- If you really want to lock in a PS5 quickly, this deal might be tempting enough.
- For some, having the console before Black Friday is worth the risk of paying a little more — especially if past Black Friday stock is unpredictable.
