Sony’s announcement of the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition has sent waves across the gaming world, igniting both excitement and frustration among fans. The sleek, PS1-themed console, which celebrates the legacy of PlayStation’s 30 years in gaming, was released in limited quantities, and it didn’t take long for scalpers to swoop in and seize an opportunity.
The PS5 Pro bundle, priced at $999.99, was highly anticipated, with its retro-inspired design and enhanced performance features sparking a surge in demand. However, the exclusivity of the PS5 30th Anniversary collection, with only 12,300 units made globally, meant that many gamers missed their shot at securing one. To make matters worse, pre-orders for the PS5 Pro bundle sold out almost immediately after going live. Those fortunate enough to access Sony’s storefront encountered long wait times, with many reporting over an hour just to access the website.
For fans who missed out on the initial pre-order, the situation quickly became dire. Scalpers took to platforms like eBay, offering the coveted console at exorbitant prices. Listings ranging from $2,500 to a staggering $10,000 have started popping up, with many taking advantage of desperate collectors and gamers willing to pay a premium to own a piece of PlayStation history. The frenzy surrounding the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition is reminiscent of the challenges gamers faced during the original PS5 launch, when demand far exceeded supply.
One Reddit user, ParappaTheWrapperr, shared their heartbreak after missing out on the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition due to a banking issue. While trying to purchase the console while on vacation, their bank flagged the transaction as fraud, causing the sale to fail. By the time the issue was resolved, the bundle had sold out. This unfortunate scenario resonated with many, as others shared their own tales of misfortune and missed opportunities.
The PS5 Pro itself is an impressive piece of hardware. With a boosted GPU featuring 67% more compute units than the base PS5, the new console offers enhanced 4K gaming experiences and advanced ray tracing capabilities. Along with faster memory and a 2TB storage upgrade, the PS5 Pro is designed to cater to gamers looking for improved performance and future-proofing in their gaming setups.
What really sets the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition apart, however, is its nostalgic design. The console’s appearance pays homage to the original PlayStation 1, featuring a retro aesthetic that resonates with long-time fans. The accompanying DualSense controller also sports a similar look, giving the entire bundle a sense of nostalgia that is hard to ignore.
While Sony had cautioned that the PS5 30th Anniversary Edition would be produced in limited quantities, few could have predicted just how quickly it would sell out. Scalpers, who capitalized on the high demand, are now flooding online marketplaces with their overpriced listings. Social media is rife with posts lamenting the steep price tags, with some fans mocking the situation. Even Baldur’s Gate 3 publishing director Michael Douse humorously commented on the situation, calling it a “4D chess move.”
Although listings priced at $10,000 are unlikely to attract many buyers, some fans are still considering paying an additional $1,500 or more to secure their place in PlayStation history. With the standard PS5 Pro still available for pre-order at $700, albeit with some criticism of its price, it remains to be seen how many fans will cave to scalpers’ demands.
For those still holding out hope, Sony has yet to comment on whether any additional waves of the 30th Anniversary Edition will be made available. However, given the widespread attention and scalper activity, it’s unlikely that the stock shortage will be alleviated anytime soon.