The recently released Limited Edition PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary console has sparked major frustration among gaming fans. Launched as a collector’s item to celebrate Sony’s three decades of PlayStation, this exclusive bundle sold out within minutes of its release, and scalpers have already listed it online for prices as high as $13,355. The original retail price? Just around $1,100.
Sony released only 12,300 units of this limited edition PS5 Pro globally, making it an extremely sought-after collector’s item. Each console is individually numbered, and the bundle includes a variety of custom accessories like a DualSense Edge controller, a charging station, and a console cover. The overwhelming demand and limited supply caused the console to sell out almost instantly during its pre-order phase in regions such as the UK and US. While the initial release price was high, the skyrocketing resale prices have driven the gaming community into an uproar.
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Scalping Chaos: Prices Skyrocket
The moment pre-orders went live, scalpers moved in. Reports from the UK and other regions show that listings for the Limited Edition PS5 Pro began popping up on platforms like eBay, with some asking for amounts as high as £10,000 (approximately $13,355). These scalpers are capitalizing on the hype and scarcity, flipping pre-ordered consoles for enormous profits, while many gamers who missed out are left disappointed.
One of the major issues is that many of these scalpers don’t even possess the consoles yet—they are selling pre-orders, hoping to cash in on the eventual delivery of the consoles. Some gamers have warned fellow consumers against purchasing from these sources, as some listings might not even result in an actual console.
The Frustration of Gamers
Gaming forums and social media are abuzz with frustration as fans who patiently queued for hours were met with “sold out” notifications just minutes after the launch. Many feel that the limited edition should have been better controlled to prevent scalping, or at the very least, more widely distributed. According to one PlayStation fan, “It’s unfair that scalpers are profiting off a product that true fans wanted to celebrate PlayStation’s 30 years. Sony should have done something to prevent this.”
The frustration is understandable. Sony’s Limited Edition PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary was more than just a gaming console—it was a nostalgic celebration of three decades of gaming history. With its unique design and custom accessories, it’s no surprise that many long-time PlayStation fans were eager to secure one for themselves.
What’s in the Bundle?
The Limited Edition PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary bundle comes packed with exclusive features:
- Individually numbered PS5 Pro console
- Limited edition DualSense Edge controller
- Limited edition console cover
- PlayStation-themed accessories like cable ties and stickers(Techopedia)(ABP Live)
While these might seem like minor additions, for collectors, each item holds significant value—further adding to the bundle’s exclusivity and desirability.
Sony’s Next Steps?
Although there’s no word yet from Sony on how they plan to address the scalping issue, many gamers hope that future limited editions will have stricter purchasing controls. Some have suggested methods like personalized purchase windows, which could limit the number of consoles that scalpers can grab during pre-orders.
However, for now, it seems the damage has been done. Gamers eager to own the Limited Edition PS5 Pro will either have to pay an astronomical markup or wait to see if Sony takes any action in response to the scalping.
The Limited Edition PS5 Pro scalping phenomenon is a symptom of a larger issue affecting the gaming industry. As gaming consoles and limited-edition merchandise become more sought after, scalpers are taking advantage of the lack of supply to gouge consumers. While Sony has not yet commented on the situation, gamers are hoping for better protections in the future to prevent scalping and ensure that more fans can enjoy special editions without paying sky-high prices.
This latest scalping event also raises questions about how the gaming industry can manage product scarcity in an era of high demand and digital marketplaces.
