Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro sold out in the U.S. at multiple major retail outlets following last week’s extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI, thus fueling outrageous scalping. It’s long been theorized that the launch of Rockstar Games’ next franchise entry would provide a surge in sales for consoles during the forthcoming holidays, but it seems that some gamers have found reason to make a move now, instead of later, when it comes to their next console purchase. It would appear that a potential factor driving the sudden interest in Sony’s $899 console is the rumors that began circulating after the Netflix special suggesting that GTA 6 will run at 30 FPS on the base model PS5. Since the PlayStation 5 Pro is arguably the most powerful console currently available, with its slight upgrades over the base model, it suddenly became the choice product for shoppers who managed to wipe out inventory at Best Buy and Target. However, according to reporting by VideoCardz, 3rd party sellers were the only option on Amazon and Walmart, where prices hit upwards of $1,300; a quick check at the time of this writing shows PS5 Pro 2TB models ranging from ~$ 1,350 (used) to $1,368.
It goes without saying that the current rampocalypse continues to wreak havoc on the electronics industry. The ongoing DRAM / NAND shortage is having a direct impact on console manufacturers who are still trying to navigate a supply ecosystem that is guaranteed to drive higher prices for next-gen consoles. Meanwhile, Sony and Microsoft have been repeatedly raising prices for the PlayStation and Xbox consoles for well over a year now, and it would seem that some folks don’t want to wait until the holidays to see what surprises will be in store after GTA VI launches in November. The good news for manufacturers, particularly Sony right now, is that their products are flying off the shelves; the bad news, once again, is that consumers are left picking up the tab for a volatile market, and this does not bode well for holiday purchases.
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