Summary
Scalpers looking to capitalize on the recently launchedPlayStation 5 Proconsole have reportedly been struggling to make a profit off of them. ThePlayStation 5 Prois an upgraded version of the PS5 with a faster GPU, deep learning-based image upscaling technology, and optimized games that can run at 4K and 60 FPS, along with an internal 2 TB storage. Unlike the vanilla PS5, the Pro model does not come with a disc drive.
The PS5 Pro launched globally on November 7 with a price point of $699 USD. The PS5 Pro’s price is extremely controversial, making it one ofthe most expensive consolesto be released to date after inflation, and the second most-expensive in PlayStation’s history. Video game consoles are prime targets for scalpers to take advantage of, with the original PlayStation 5 being subject to this back in 2020. The PS5 Pro has also become a target of scalping, though the results are different compared to the vanilla PS5’s release four years ago.
As reported byVideoGamesChronicle, numerous listings of the console on eBay UK list the console below the PS5 Pro’s retail price in the UK of £700. A number of sellers have it on sale for £680-£700, while other auctions that are running have it between £510 and £670. While the prices of these auctions will likely rise before the end, it doesn’t seem likely it will reachthe PS5 Pro’s usual MSRP price point.
Scalpers Are Reselling PS5 Pro Console Below MSRP in Japan and UK
The situation seems to be consistent in other countries as well, like in Japan. According to a report from theOtaku Research Institute, while the console has seemingly sold out at most Japanese retailers, stores were selling the PlayStation Pro throughout most of its launch day without needing a reservation. Japanese resale site Mercari has listings that are ¥10,000-¥20,000, which is more thanthe PS5 Pro’s price in Japan, but due to Mercari taking a 10% and shipping costs also being in consideration, this still results in the re-seller either breaking even or re-selling it at a loss. Numerous sellers on Mercari are also selling it for lower than the retail price, stating that it is discounted because “multiple items were purchased.”
While it seems like the console isn’t getting much mileage from scalpers, thePS5 Pro’s Disc Drives are being resold at ridiculous pricesand are currently sold out at every major retailer. Normally sold at $79.99/£99.99, the disc drive is being listed at around £150-£250. Regardless of the region, the console is still quite expensive and contentious.
PlayStation 5 Pro
Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro is the mid-generation evolution of the PS5, one that comes with an improved GPU and 2TB of storage space. The graphics card is advertised to offer 67% more compute units than the base PS5, along with 28% faster memory. The PS5 Pro also uses AI to offer an enhanced resolution for 4K TV and Advanced Ray Tracing.The console does not come with a disc drive or a vertical stand, both of which are sold separately.
