Scalpers are reportedly losing money on the PS5 Pro console

by

Key takeaways

  • Scalpers are struggling to profit from PS5 Pro resales due to limited demand and high pricing.
  • Prices on eBay UK for PS5 Pro listings are lower than retail, indicating low demand.
  • In Japan, PS5 Pro resale prices on Mercari are not profitable due to the high costs involved.



Scalpers looking to capitalize on the newly launched PlayStation 5 Pro The console is reportedly struggling to make a profit from them. The PlayStation 5 Pro is an upgraded version of the PS5 with a faster GPU, image upscaling technology based on deep learning, and optimized games that can run at 4K and 60 FPS, as well as 2 TB of internal 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 price of the PS5 Pro is highly controversial, making it one of the most expensive consoles to be released after inflation, and the second most expensive in PlayStation history. Video game consoles are prime targets for scalpers to profit from, with the original PlayStation 5 being subject to its return in 2020. The PS5 Pro has also been the target of scalping, although the results are different compared to the vanilla PS5's release four years ago. First.


A PlayStation 5 Pro next to a PS5 Pro with disc drive attachment and controller.

related to

Trump tariffs could make the PS5 Pro even more expensive

President-elect Donald Trump has proposed tariffs that could make the already expensive PlayStation 5 Pro cost even more if they go into effect.

As reported by VideoGamesChronicle, several listings of the console on eBay UK list the console below the PS5 Pro's UK retail price of £700. Several sellers have it on sale for £680-£700, while other auctions are running it at between £510 and £670. Although the prices of these auctions are likely to increase before the end, it seems unlikely that the PS5 Pro will reach the usual MSRP price point.


Scalpers are reselling PS5 Pro consoles below MSRP in Japan and the UK


The situation seems to be similar in other countries like Japan. According to a report by the Otaku Research Institute, the console appears to have sold out at most Japanese retailers, with stores selling the PlayStation Pro on most of its launch day without requiring reservations. Japanese resale site Mercari has listings for ¥10,000-¥20,000, which is higher than the PS5 Pro's price in Japan, but since Mercari takes 10% and factoring in shipping costs, it still results in a resale. Break it up or resell it at a loss. Many sellers on Mercari are selling it for less than retail price, saying that “multiple items were purchased.”

While it seems like the console isn't getting much mileage from scalpers, the PS5 Pro's disc drives are being resold at ridiculous prices and are currently sold out at every major retailer. Normally sold for $79.99/£99.99, the disc drive is being listed for around £150-£250. Regardless of the region, the console is still very expensive and controversial.

Leave a Comment