Used PS5 Pros cost $1399 50% more than new
The hunt for a new PlayStation console has turned into a high-stakes negotiation, pitting gamers against supply chain nightmares and a rapidly escalating market for scarce hardware. As the demand for next-generation gaming devices soars, the prices for both new and used consoles have entered the realm of the absurd, sparking serious questions about how the industry is managing its inventory and profits.
The situation is most glaringly evident in the PlayStation 5 Pro market. While the official Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a brand-new PS5 Pro unit was initially $899.00, supply chain issues and the massive appetite for specialized AI memory chips have caused prices to skyrocket. Retailers like GameStop have been reflecting this trend, marking up refurbished PS Pros from $800 to an astonishing $1399.99. This means used units are now costing 55% more than their list price for brand-new consoles, and often more than double the original MSRP of the PS5 Pro.
This escalating price isn’t just a quirk of the used market; it reflects a deeper crisis in the semiconductor industry. The shortage stems largely from the demand for high-performance memory chips, particularly those crucial for AI data centers. Manufacturers of DRAM have pivoted their capacity to meet the lucrative AI chip market, leaving consumer goods manufacturers—and gamers—fighting over a much smaller supply of the components needed for next-gen hardware.
The scarcity is compounded by future anticipation. With major titles like GTA VI looming on the horizon, gamers are willing to pay a premium to ensure they can experience the game when it finally arrives. While Rockstar isn’t targeting 60 frames per second for the launch, the desire for the best possible performance pushes demand to unprecedented levels.
When the official retail channels—including GameStop, Sony, and Target—run out of stock, the hunt shifts to the secondary market, where prices remain inflated. While some shoppers look to platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, finding sealed PS5 Pros can cost well over $1,300. This offers a way to bypass retail shortages, but it comes with less peace of mind than purchasing directly from a brick-and-mortar retailer.
For those looking to navigate the current landscape, alternatives are emerging. Some gamers are opting for the more affordable base models, such as the PS5 Digital or Disc editions, which are still priced closer to MSRP. Others are exploring powerful PC options, including the Xbox Series X, which offers competitive performance at a more accessible price point than the PS5 Pro. Even more experimental users are diving into open-source solutions like AnyPS5, which allows console games to run natively on PC, putting the power of gaming squarely in the hands of the hardware.
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