On what date did the PlayStation 5 launch in the United States?

The PlayStation 5 launched in the United States on 12 November 2020.

Sony used a two-stage global release for the PlayStation 5. The United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea received the console on 12 November 2020. The wider global launch followed on 19 November 2020, including Europe and several other regions.

Both launch dates are therefore accurate in different contexts. The later 19 November date is often quoted as the PS5’s global release date, but it was not the first launch date. Sony released both a standard model with an optical disc drive and a Digital Edition without one.

The launch occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand and supply constraints affected availability. Despite those challenges, the PS5 introduced a custom solid-state storage system, faster loading, and the DualSense wireless controller.