So, Sony’s PS5 Pro launched at a solid $700/£700/€800, and despite some hefty price tags, it seems that hardcore fans are still on board. According to Sony President Hiroki Totoki, the PS5 Pro’s price hasn’t hurt its sales, saying that this mid-generation console is geared toward the "hardcore" crowd – and they’re showing up, just as expected. Let’s break down what this means for gamers, scalpers, and anyone who still wants a PS5 Pro.
No Shortage of PS5 Pro Consoles
Unlike the original PS5 release in 2020 – which was hit by a chip shortage and tons of scalping – the PS5 Pro is actually staying on shelves. Right now, you can find it in most stores, so anyone who wants one doesn’t have to pay ridiculous markups or search endlessly. This is definitely a shift from the PS5 days when getting one at retail price felt like winning the lottery.
Scalpers Are Losing Out on Big Profits
Scalpers, hoping for the same PS5 frenzy, have been left disappointed. With plenty of units in stock and no crazy high demand, they’re barely breaking even, or sometimes even taking a loss. While some Buy It Now listings are at retail or slightly below, other auctions are showing bids that fall well under the £700 mark – not exactly the jackpot scalpers were hoping for.
The External Disc Drive – The Real Scalper Target
Interestingly, while the PS5 Pro itself is readily available, its external disc drive has become a hot commodity. Priced at $79.99 / £99.99 officially, it’s already sold out in most places. Scalpers have taken advantage of this, listing it on sites like eBay for up to £250. So, if you’re a disc-collector or just want that flexibility, finding a reasonably priced disc drive might be tougher than scoring the console itself.
The Hardcore Audience Remains Unfazed
The high price doesn’t seem to be deterring the hardcore fans who were always the target. Totoki noted that comments on the PS5 Pro pricing haven’t impacted its reception much – so, the hardcore crowd remains, price or not. The PS5 Pro might not be the runaway success the original was, but for Sony, targeting their diehard fans appears to be enough.
Bottom Line – If You Want One, Now’s the Time
If you’re looking to get a PS5 Pro, this might actually be the best time to jump in. With no major rush, no crazy shortages, and scalpers unable to jack up prices, it’s a rare moment of stability for gamers. Just keep an eye out for the disc drive if you’re planning to go physical – that might take a bit more hunting down.
Final Takeaway
The PS5 Pro’s launch has been all about finding its niche. It’s a console aimed at the die-hard fans, and it’s managed to sidestep the scarcity issues that plagued its predecessor. For once, if you want one, you can get one – and for gamers, that’s a welcome change.
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