Scalpers Are Reportedly Losing Money on PS5 Pro Consoles

Scalpers Are Reportedly Losing Money on PS5 Pro Consoles

Key Takeaways

  • Scalpers are struggling to profit from reselling the PS5 Pro due to limited demand and high pricing.
  • Prices on eBay UK for PS5 Pro listings are below retail price, indicating low demand.
  • In Japan, PS5 Pro resale prices on Mercari are not yielding profits due to high costs involved.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say I find the current state of the PS5 Pro market rather amusing, albeit disappointing for those who are genuinely seeking to purchase one. Scalpers, the infamous modern-day vultures, have traditionally feasted on the scarcity and demand generated by new gaming consoles, but this time around it seems they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.


Those aiming to profit from the new PlayStation 5 Pro, allegedly find themselves in a tough spot. The PlayStation 5 Pro, a superior version of the PS5, boasts a more powerful GPU, advanced deep learning-based image enhancement technology, optimized games that can run at 4K and 60 FPS, and an internal storage of 2 TB. Unlike the standard PS5, the Pro model lacks a disc drive. It seems these scalpers are finding it challenging to turn a profit with this upgraded console.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that on November 7, I was part of the global launch of the PS5 Pro, which carried a hefty price tag of $699 USD. The cost of this new console has stirred up quite a storm, making it one of the priciest consoles ever launched after accounting for inflation, and second only to PlayStation’s most expensive model in history. It’s no secret that video game consoles are like a goldmine for scalpers, and the original PlayStation 5 was no exception, with scalping becoming an issue back in 2020. The PS5 Pro has unfortunately also found itself on the radar of these scalpers, but the situation is quite different compared to the launch of the original PS5 four years ago.

According to VideoGamesChronicle, numerous eBay UK listings show the console priced lower than the PS5 Pro’s retail price in the UK (£700). Some sellers have it on sale for £680-£700, while auctions range from £510 to £670. As these auction prices may increase before they end, it appears unlikely that they will reach the standard PS5 Pro MSRP price point.

Scalpers Are Reselling PS5 Pro Console Below MSRP in Japan and UK

As a fervent fan, I’ve noticed an intriguing pattern in other countries too, like Japan, regarding the PlayStation Pro. Despite most Japanese stores reportedly selling out, they managed to sell it on its launch day without requiring a reservation. Interestingly, a Japanese resale site called Mercari has listings priced between ¥10,000 and ¥20,000, which is higher than the PS5 Pro’s price in Japan. However, considering Mercari’s 10% commission and shipping costs, the seller might be breaking even or even selling at a loss. Surprisingly, many sellers on Mercari are listing it below the retail price, claiming that they’re offering discounts because “multiple items were purchased.

Despite the console appearing to escape heavy exploitation by scalpers, the PS5 Pro’s Disc Drives are being resold for exorbitant prices and are unavailable at all major retailers. Typically priced at $79.99 in the US and £99.99 in the UK, these disc drives are currently listed between £150 and £250. Regardless of location, the console remains pricey and a subject of debate.

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2024-11-09 21:33