The PlayStation 5 Pro has become a hot commodity, with retailers like GameStop and third-party sellers on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart hiking their prices to unsustainable levels. The latest Grand Theft Auto 6 is touted as “PS5 Pro Enhanced,” fueling demand for this high-end console that’s already in short supply.
What’s shocking is the price increase: used PlayStation 5 Pro units are now being sold for a staggering 66 percent above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). This means that digital versions of the console will cost $1,399.99, while those with the disc add-on attached will set you back $1,499.99. These prices are an astonishing 100% increase over the PlayStation 5 Pro’s launch price of $699.99, which has been steadily rising due to supply chain issues.
The numbers are mind-boggling: a typical retailer markup is around 10-20% above MSRP, but GameStop and others have taken it to new heights with this 66% increase. What’s driving this inflation? The answer lies in the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, which promises to be one of the biggest video game launches of all time. As players clamor for the latest console technology to experience Rockstar’s masterpiece, retailers are cashing in on the frenzy.
This price hike has significant implications for VR and gaming enthusiasts who’ve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade their hardware. With used PlayStation 5 Pro units now priced out of reach for many, it’s clear that only high-income enthusiasts will be able to afford this luxury. Developers targeting the higher-end console market may soon find themselves catering to a niche audience rather than the masses.
The situation is eerily reminiscent of the Xbox and Nintendo shortages that have plagued the gaming industry in recent years. Both Sony’s competitors have struggled with supply chain issues, resulting in price increases multiple times over the last two years. In fact, Nintendo just raised the price of its Switch 2 console in the United States due to a long-term memory shortage that threatens profitability.
The PlayStation 5 Pro’s skyrocketing prices are a stark reminder that the demand for high-end gaming hardware continues to outstrip supply. As VR and gaming enthusiasts eagerly anticipate new releases like Grand Theft Auto 6, they may find themselves priced out of the market unless manufacturers can get their production lines back on track.
For now, it seems that only those with deep pockets will be able to experience the latest and greatest in console technology. Will this price inflation ultimately drive innovation or create a barrier to entry for new developers? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the demand for high-end gaming hardware shows no signs of slowing down.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-10-06