Facepalm: GameStop is hiking the prices of pre-owned and refurbished PlayStation 5 Pro consoles to $1,399.99. The new price tag is around $100 to $150 lower than the list prices of new units, which remain in short supply ahead of next month's GTA 6 launch. The increase is a major setback for gamers, many of whom had been hoping to pick up second-hand units at relatively affordable prices ahead of the holidays.
The new prices are around 55% higher than the official $900 price tag for brand-new PS5 Pros and exactly double the console's $700 launch price. Sony increased prices for both the PS5 and PS5 Pro multiple times over the past year, ostensibly due to the AI-fueled memory crunch that has driven up prices for almost all consumer electronics products since the start of this year.
According to a Redditor who claims to work at GameStop, the retailer recently sent out a memo notifying store employees that the new price would apply to pre-owned and refurbished PS5 Pro units starting October 6. The document says that the price hike is "intentional" and urges employees to make the necessary changes to in-store displays before opening on Thursday.
A moderator for the r/GameStop subreddit has since confirmed that the poster's identity was vetted by the moderation team and that the leaked memo appears to be authentic. The new prices, which are in line with what second-hand units are selling for on sites such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace, are now reflected on the official GameStop website as well.
The PS5 lineup is available from several retailers, including Amazon, Target, and GameStop. Sony also sells the consoles through its official US webstore, but the Pro models are currently out of stock at most online stores. New units are, however, available at Best Buy and Walmart for $1,495 and $1,555, respectively.
The PS5 Pro will also cost you a pretty penny at Newegg, where it has a list price of $1,585. The PS5 Disc and Digital versions, however, are much more affordable, with list prices closer to their official MSRPs. The former is currently listed on the website for $649.99, while the latter is available for $599. Pre-owned PS5 units in "Acceptable" condition start at $499.99.