PS5 Pro price has ‘not had a negative impact’ on sales of the console, says Sony president

videogameschronicle.com:

Sony president Hiroki Totoki has said the PlayStation 5 Pro’s price hasn’t had a negative impact on the sales of the console.

Speaking as part of Sony’s recent financial reporting, Totoki said (spotted by Genki_JPN) “Hardcore users are the target of this hardware.”

“In terms of the pricing, many people made different comments on that, but pricing on PS5 Pro has not had a negative impact, I don’t think.”

PS5 Pro launched on Thursday priced at $700 / £700 / €800. Unlike the PlayStation 5, the PlayStation 5 Pro has not sold out, and is readily available in most stores. It’s worth noting  that the PlayStation 5 launched in 2020 during a global chip shortage, resulting in shortages of the console, but it also appears that interest in the higher-spec machine is reduced from the base unit.

Scalpers looking to emulate the huge profits they saw on PS5 scalping have been left to sell consoles at a loss after arush for the mid-generation console didn’t materialise. 

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.

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.