As you know, Sony is marking the 30th anniversary of the PlayStation with a limited edition PS5 Pro, thrilling many fans and collectors. Only 12,300 units of this collector’s edition have been produced, leading to a frenzy of pre-orders. The starting price was set at 1,100 euros, but the scarcity of this special edition quickly drove up auction prices, and if you’re looking to purchase one on eBay, it’s going to cost you a pretty penny.
If You Have 5,000 Euros to Spare
Right from the start of pre-orders, many of the available consoles were snapped up by “scalpers,” who are now reselling them at exorbitant prices on sites like eBay, sometimes exceeding 5,000 euros. This phenomenon, well-known among fans of limited edition tech products, is not new but has reached a new height here, with prices sometimes quintupling.
For context, a scalper is someone who buys up highly sought-after products in bulk—often limited editions or event tickets—with the intent of reselling them at much higher prices. They often use bots to automate purchases the moment sales open, depriving regular consumers of access to these products and capitalizing on the shortage to make significant profits.
Brands Also Bear Responsibility
This situation raises questions about the responsibility of brands like Sony. By producing ultra-limited series, they indirectly feed the black market and encourage these practices. True collectors and long-time fans often end up empty-handed, while scalpers make substantial profits. Ultimately, no one is happy with this system.
For this edition, Sony aimed to pay tribute to the original 1994 PlayStation with a retro design, limited edition accessories, and a console with a classic gray look. Each package includes, among other things, a DualSense Edge controller, a vertical stand, and various goodies featuring the PS1 logo. Despite Sony’s commendable effort to celebrate this milestone, the frustration of fans due to the console’s unavailability somewhat dampens the celebration.
Scarcity and Speculative Bubbles Go Hand in Hand
This limited edition PS5 Pro once again highlights the limitations of the economic model of ultra-limited series, which create a speculative bubble around collectible items. This also reflects other tech product launches where artificial scarcity and speculation override the passion of fans.
Hi, my name is Disha and I’m a passionate writer and editor at “Jason Deegan”. With a keen interest in all things tech, I strive to bring you the latest news and updates from the world of high-tech.