In news that won't come as a huge shock to anyone, next-gen console scalpers continue to be the human equivalent of strep throat. Since the launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles late last year, opportunistic individuals have been buying up the majority of stock to create even more of a demand, and then jacking the prices up to ridiculous levels. Nearly four months later, and these antics show no signs of slowing down.
In a new report complied by TopRatedCasinos (no, seriously), it looks like the average price of a PlayStation 5 on eBay is currently £710. To be clear, the version of Sony's next-gen console with a disc drive is supposed to cost £449, so that's a markup of nearly 58%. Sure enough, a quick glance at eBay throws up prices between £600 to £1,000, with one listing even putting the PS5 at an eye-watering £20,000.
Seriously, who the hell is going to buy a PS5 for that much? Especially when most of the more stupidly priced consoles are still way, way under £20,000. I suppose they're just angling for the best offer, but what a way to make yourself look like a grade A scumbag.
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The survey also notes the average price of the PS5 at second-hand video game retailer CeX is £607, something employees have vocally criticised in the past. Then there's a StockX, another buy/sell site that functions much like eBay. The major difference is that the average price of a PS5 here is £775, with one plucky dreamer attempting to flog one for no less than £24,000. Maybe don't try and get your PS5 off StockX.
The Xbox Series X is going for slightly less ridiculous prices, but scalpers are still pushing it. Over on eBay the Microsoft machine has an average price of £587 compared to its original price of £475. CeX has an average price of £616, and StockX £602.
Unfortunately Sony has already said PS5 stock shortages will likely continue well into 2021 as the company struggles to get the components needed. Scalpers further compound the issue by nabbing the little stock there is, to the extent that the UK Government is currently considering taking action against scalpers and the techniques they use to jump queues and secure consoles.
Featured Image Credit: SonyTopics: Xbox, News, PlayStation