GameStop charges $1,400 for used PS5 Pros, exceeding new unit prices

Key points

• GameStop updated its website on October 6, 2026, listing pre-owned PS5 Pro digital editions at $1,400 and physical versions at $1,500.
• An internal memo leaked to Reddit explicitly stated that charging more for used consoles than new ones is 'intentional.'
• The price hike follows a global shortage of new PS5 Pros, which remain out of stock at major retailers despite a $900 suggested retail price.
• Former GameStop employees suggest the retailer is prioritizing used units because they are cheaper to acquire and can be sold at a premium, unlike new stock which must be sold at or near retail.
• The scarcity is exacerbated by the anticipated November 19 launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is expected to drive high demand for the console's enhanced performance capabilities.

Background

The PS5 Pro launched in November 2024 at $699. Sony subsequently raised prices in August 2025 and April 2026 due to economic factors and rising component costs, particularly memory, reaching the current $900 price point. In September 2026, Sony introduced purchase limits in Japan to combat scalping ahead of the GTA VI release.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku and Wccftech both highlight the irony of used goods costing more than new ones, attributing it to GameStop's ability to set arbitrary prices for pre-owned stock while new units are constrained by retail pricing. Tom's Hardware notes that other retailers like Walmart and Amazon also list PS5 Pros for over $1,400, but these are sold by third-party resellers rather than the retailers directly. GameGPU emphasizes the surprise nature of the move, noting that GameStop has not publicly disclosed the detailed rationale beyond the internal memo.

Why it matters

This pricing inversion signals a critical supply chain bottleneck for high-end gaming hardware. It indicates that retailers are leveraging scarcity to maximize margins on secondary markets, potentially pricing out casual gamers seeking to upgrade before major title launches. It also highlights the fragility of console supply chains in the face of sudden demand spikes and component cost volatility.

What to watch

Consumers should expect continued high prices for PS5 Pros in the lead-up to the November 19 launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. GameStop may face public backlash over the pricing strategy, while Sony may need to address supply constraints or adjust trade-in programs to stabilize the market.