Refurbished PS5 Pros at GameStop Now Cost 50% More Than New Units

Preowned PlayStation 5 consoles are now fetching higher prices than new ones at GameStop. This information surfaced through an internal memo to GameStop staff, indicating that preowned PS5 Pro units will be priced between $1,399.99 and $1,499.99. These updated prices are currently reflected on the GameStop website.

The rationale behind this price adjustment remains uncertain. Many gamers speculate that it may be linked to the recent PS5 jailbreak situation. The “Relapse” exploit allows users to run homebrew applications and emulate games, provided the console isn’t updated to the latest firmware (14.00). This has led to the belief that GameStop is capitalizing on the demand for older consoles that can be exploited.

For those looking to access a vast library of games for free, including titles from the Nintendo Switch, Relapse is a game-changer. In response, Sony rolled out firmware 14.00 on September 16, enhancing security measures ahead of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 release, which includes protections against jailbreaking. Consoles that haven’t received this update are likely to be in high demand at GameStop.

According to the memo, preowned PS5 Pros will now be priced at either $1,399.99 or $1,499.99, depending on the model—making them $600 pricier than the average new console, which is around $900. PlayStation Pro owners can expect trade-in values of $800-$850 for their used units, allowing them to upgrade to a new console at minimal cost.

With Rockstar asserting that Grand Theft Auto 6 performs best on the PlayStation 5, it’s reasonable to assume that the PS5 Pro will offer an even better experience, further driving up demand and contributing to the recent price surge.

It’s noteworthy that GameStop’s price increase occurred within just a few days, especially since many PS5s still in their boxes have not been updated to firmware 14.00 and are likely still jailbreakable. Regardless of the unclear motivations, the price hike for preowned consoles at GameStop is evident.

Sony’s strategies regarding digital games and media on PlayStation systems often lead to unexpected outcomes.