Lack of PS5 Pro shortages means some scalpers are re-selling at a loss
Scalpers looking to capitalise on the release of the PS5 Pro are struggling to make a profit due to its generally ready availability.
While there remain a handful of sellers trying to sell the console at a profit, eBay UK currently has numerous sellers listing the £700 console for less than its retail price.
A number of sellers currently have Buy It Now consoles on sale for £680-£700, while others have auctions currently sitting between £510 and £670 – while these auctions will likely rise before they end, it seems less likely that they will surpass the console’s £700 retail price.
The situation appears to be the same in other countries, including Japan. Otaku Research Institute reports that while the console is now seemingly sold out at most Japanese retailers, some stores were selling it throughout most of launch day without the need for reservations.
On Japanese resale site Mercari, sellers are reportedly selling the console for ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 more than the retail price ($65 – $130), but Otaku Research Institute notes that because Mercari takes a 10% cut and shipping costs also have to be considered, this still results in many re-sellers either breaking even or taking a loss.
It also reports that numerous sellers on Mercari are selling for lower than the retail price, stating that they’re selling at a discount “because multiple items were purchased”.
While it appears that the console is generally available for those who want it, however, scalpers haven’t completely abandoned the PS5 Pro. Instead, it’s the console’s external disc drive, sold separately, that’s in short supply and being scalped.
The disc drive is supposed to sell for $79.99 / £99.99, but is currently sold out at every major retailer, and as a result eBay UK sellers are posting Buy It Now listings selling the unit for £150 – £250.
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