Remember the days when you would go to the mall and pass a GameStop. Then someone in the group would say, “let’s go check out the overpriced used games they have.” To say they recently lost the plot means you haven’t been paying attention. Recently, via a Reddit post, everyone was warned that GameStop was increasing the prices of used PS5 Pro consoles. Not just a few bucks, but nearly double the price of a new console.

Pre-owned standard PS5 Pro consoles are currently listed for $1399.99. Keep in mind, prices for a new console are $899.99. According to the ‘leaked’ internal e-mail, special edition versions will retail for even higher at $1499.99. That is insane.

While no reason was given for the increase, many believe it is due to the hardware shortage. However, it has more to do with Grand Theft Auto VI is coming out causing an increase in demand. Currently, GameStop does not have any new consoles in stock.

Apparently, there is such a huge demand for the PS5 Pro, due to GTA 6, that it could impact the Christmas shopping season. At least, that’s what retailers are suggestion.

GameStop raises prices on used PS5 Pro consoles

“We’ve been informed that because of the on-going issues around hardware component availability, we won’t be getting the units we want ahead of GTA,” a senior games buyer, speaking on anonymity, told The Game Business. “Demand will likely outstrip supply during the year end period,” he added.

“I can tell you definitively demand for our console exceeds the supply,” Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball said in June. “We are putting them in as many stores as possible. We are producing them as quickly as possible. There is a severe limitation to how quickly we can do that, but it’s not a question of appetite.”

Honestly, I don’t believe that the Xbox would be in that much demand. I mean, come on. Secondly, seems odd that GTA 6 would cause that much of a demand on Pro consoles. It would seem that this is just another reason for retailers to charge more and blame “current market conditions.”