Scalpers Forced to Sell PS5 Pro Consoles Below Cost

It appears that the price tag of $699.99 for the new PS5 Pro might be causing second thoughts among gamers. Unlike the original PS5, this upgraded edition is quite easy to find in stores, leading some scalpers to offload their stock at a loss.

PS5 Pro Availability Causes Price Drop Among Scalpers

According to Video Games Chronicle, eBay UK is bustling with listings where the PS5 Pro is being sold for less than its £700 price tag. The "Buy It Now" options hover close to its retail value, between £680 and £700, but auction bids are coming in even lower, anywhere from £510 to £670.

A similar trend is happening in Japan. On the resale platform Mercari, consoles are being sold for up to ¥20,000 above retail. However, as noted by Otaku Research Institute, the site’s 10% commission means scalpers aren’t seeing much profit.

In the US, scalpers haven’t quite caught on yet. Most PS5 Pro listings are still high, ranging from $800 to $1000, despite the consoles being readily available at major retailers like Target, Best Buy, and GameStop. So, if you’re in the US and itching to get your hands on the latest PS5 Pro, your best bet is to pop into these stores for a chance to snag one at its official price.

Curiously, one item that remains pricey on eBay is the PS5 disc drive. Since the PS5 Pro doesn’t come with one, new owners are on the hunt for this accessory. These drives, typically $79.99, are listed above $90, both in auctions and instant purchase options.

The arrival of the PS5 Pro has also brought enhancements to a wide array of games, taking advantage of the console’s boosted performance. Those with PS Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions can dive into some of these upgraded titles via the PS Plus Game Catalog. And for those looking to expand their library, the November Savings promotion includes a selection of enhanced games at discounted prices.

(Source: Video Games Chronicle)