GameStop Reportedly Plans to Sell Used PS5 Pro Consoles for Up to $1,499 Amid Shortages
GameStop is facing backlash after a leaked internal memo suggested the retailer may dramatically increase prices on pre-owned PS5 Pro consoles. According to the reported document, second-hand units could be priced between $1,399 and $1,499, even though a new PS5 Pro without a disc drive has an official retail price of $899.99 in the United States.
The news has frustrated PlayStation fans who were hoping used hardware would offer a more affordable way to buy Sony’s most powerful console. Instead, the reported pricing puts pre-owned PS5 Pro systems far above the cost of a brand-new model, assuming shoppers can even find one in stock.
The leaked memo reportedly instructed store employees to set used PS5 Pro prices at $1,399 for the digital version. Models that include a disc drive, along with the limited 30th Anniversary Edition, are expected to cost even more. Trade-in values are said to range between $800 and $850, meaning GameStop could potentially resell the consoles at a significant markup.
Some online users have questioned whether the memo is genuine, partly because of wording that refers to October 16 as “tomorrow.” However, the pricing details have still sparked widespread debate, especially as demand for the PS5 Pro continues to climb.
The situation highlights a growing problem in the console market: availability is becoming increasingly tight. The PS5 Pro is already difficult to find at many major retailers across North America, and demand appears to be rising as anticipation builds for GTA 6. In Japan, Sony has even used a lottery-style system to manage limited supply.
For many buyers, the biggest question is simple: why would a used PS5 Pro cost hundreds of dollars more than a new one?
The answer may come down to market freedom. While Sony sets suggested retail pricing for new consoles, retailers have more flexibility when pricing used products. If second-hand PS5 Pro systems are selling for over $1,000 on resale marketplaces, GameStop may be adjusting its prices to reflect what shoppers are already paying elsewhere.
Scalpers have also made the problem worse. New PS5 Pro consoles are frequently listed well above retail price, with some sellers asking $1,250 or more. That leaves buyers with limited options: wait for restocks, pay inflated resale prices, or consider a used console at a premium.
The upcoming release of GTA 6 may be another major factor behind the pricing surge. The game is expected to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in years, and many players may want the best possible console experience. While the base PS5 is expected to run the game at 30 frames per second, fans are hoping the PS5 Pro will offer better image quality, smoother performance, or enhanced visuals through Sony’s PSSR upscaling technology.
For now, the reported GameStop pricing has only added more tension to an already heated console market. If the leaked memo is accurate, buyers looking for a PS5 Pro may soon find that even used systems are priced like luxury hardware. Until supply improves, the PS5 Pro shortage could continue pushing prices far beyond Sony’s official retail price.
