PS5 Pro pre-orders could be bad news for Sony
Those days of PS5 shortages look like they're a thing of the past.
30th Sep 2024 14:00
Images via Sony
PS5 Pro pre-orders could be bad news for Sony
Those days of PS5 shortages look like they're a thing of the past.
30th Sep 2024 14:00
Images via Sony
It looks like sales of the PlayStation 5 Pro could be off to a sluggish start, leaving Sony feeling a little 'blue' about the whole situation. At this point in the PS5's lifespan, it was little surprise that a refreshed version of the classic was waiting in the wings.
Like clockwork, we've had the PS5 Slim, leaving the PS5 Pro to take us through to the eventual PS6 with a souped-up version of the classic PS5. We've all heard about the various bells and whistles that make the PS5 Pro superior to its bigger brother, but apparently, it's not enough to convince you to stump up the $700 cost of entry.
PS5 Pro pre-orders seem a little slow
You'll remember that when the PS5 launched in November 2020, you couldn't get your hands on one for love or money. This was amid the pandemic, and similar to the Xbox Series, a shortage of parts led to the chain grinding to a halt. It wasn't until January 2023 that former Sony boss Jim Ryan said issues were finally resolved.
On the official PlayStation site, you can still nab a pre-order for the PS5 Pro, suggesting that they aren't flying off the shelves like Sony might've wanted. This was also spotted on Reddit, with gamers having their own theories on why the console is more readily available.
Someone mused, "People were going into this thinking that it was going to be like PS5 but that was never going to be the case. The primary demographic for a Pro are people who already have a PS5. That drives a much different demand than when nobody has a PS5."
Another added, "Thank GOD this was nothing like the PS5. Scalpers want nothing to do with the pro. The niche market it caters to does not buy from scalpers. Anyone preordering a $700 pro console is smart enough to not deal with scalpers."
This is the opposite of the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary bundle, which was limited to just 12,300 units and sold out in a matter of seconds. People are selling the anniversary bundle for upwards of £5,500 instead of the £960 retail price, and we only imagine it's going to get worse.
Still, a quick scan of eBay and you'll find a listing for a PS5 Pro alongside a Buy It Now price of £1,450. Given the availability of the console, we hope no one is falling for this. The PS5 Pro situation isn't dissimilar to the PS4 Pro, which also didn't sell out when it was released in 2016.
There are plenty of theories about why the PS5 Pro isn't sold out, namely its high price tag of $700 without a disc drive or stand. Others are right in noting that most who want a PS5 likely already have one, leaving the Pro as a niche purchase.
It'll be interesting to see how the PS5 Pro sells when it releases on November 7, and with Christmas just around the corner, we imagine there will be a fair few sitting under your trees on December 25. Let's also remember that GTA 6 launches in 2025 and looks like the PS5 Pro will be the go-to way to play it.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
