Like any elusive product drop, the PS5 Pro has seen some outrageous secondary market prices. Scalpers have listed the enhanced console above $1000, about $300 more than its MSRP. Worse is the 30th Anniversary edition, which has seen prices above $4000, around $3000 more than its MSRP. However, when these consoles sell in Japan, Sony has implemented some countermeasures that may steer some scalpers away.
PS5 Pro scalpers in Japan must show proof they are a gamer
As reported by Automaton, players attempting to purchase the 30th Anniversary themed PS5 Pro have to fill out a reservation application. To successfully fill out the form, a number of requirements are needed. Most notably, players must have 30 hours logged into their PlayStation account on PS4 or PS5 for a total of 30 hours between February 22, 2014, and September 19, 2024. Players who do not meet this requirement are not eligible to purchase the console.
This is certainly a creative way to lower the scalper pool. Obviously, it isn’t foolproof. There are surely scalpers that have turned on a PS4 or PS5 for 30 hours between a 10 year period. But it may prohibit some of those looking to make a quick buck on the secondary market.
In the US, both PS5 and PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary consoles, and accessories sold out almost instantly. As expected, this was disappointing to the fans that attempted to secure the themed products. More disappointing were the mass amounts of eBay listings of the console priced at nearly ten times its MSRP. However, some fans took matters into their own hands by reporting these listings. Seemingly, it worked, with some listings taken down.
Fortunately for those who just want to get their hands on a PS5 Pro won’t have to worry too much. It seems the console has not yet sold out. Recently, its availability sparked an odd debate. However, gamers did point out the 30th Anniversary themed version of the console sold out, and its availability may be a reaction to criticism made towards Sony for the lack of PS5s during the pandemic.
(Source: Automaton)
