Anyone that’s tried to find a PS5 console over the past year or so has likely encountered the problems that countless others have. The systems are in limited supply, everyone seems to want one, and there’s a flood of bots that’s out there competing against fans. That leads some to buy the console through scalpers, paying more rather than having to base things on luck. While scalping has been derided by many, it appears it’s not as profitable as it once was.
According to a report from Forbes, PS5 console scalping prices on StockX have fallen by 30% from their peak. While it’s still a considerably higher price to pay for the hardware, those anxious to pick up a standard PS5 can do so for around $715 compared to the $1000 price tag a scalped console boasted on Cyber Weekend 2020. PS5 Digital Editions are, surprisingly, in a similar position, falling to under $700 after also peaking at $1000 during Cyber Weekend.
Some resellers are trying new methods to boost sales, highlighting that they’re selling launch edition consoles. The PS5 was recently revised, and that revision removed a significant portion of the heat sink. While it’s still up for debate as to whether or not that matters – there have been two split sides on the argument – it doesn’t seem to be working on potential PS5 buyers. Some of the sellers referenced by Forbes stated that they haven’t seen a major difference in sales between the two versions.
The scalpers are still seeing the same volume of sales at lower price points, though, so there’s still a profit to be made. Scalping is, recognizably, an issue now, being a hot topic earlier this year. Plus, there’s an ongoing chip shortage that’s fueled the PS5’s low supply, as well as other consumer electronics. It’s a situation that could last late into 2022, or even beyond, according to recent reports. That means that the PS5 may keep experiencing supply issues for a year, if not longer.
There are many factors that can affect scalping prices like this, and it’s hard to pin down just one that’s responsible for the price decline. Ultimately, it’s a good thing for those that are wanting to get their hands on a console, and there’s a bit of schadenfreude in seeing scalpers suffer. Sony has stated that it has enough chipsets to meet its financial goals this year, which hopefully means an increased PS5 supply to boot.
Source: Forbes
