Scalpers Target PS5 Controller Pre-Orders for GTA 6

Grand Theft Auto 6 and Sony have teamed up to launch themed DualSense controllers in celebration of the game’s release this November. The phrase “limited-edition controllers” has quickly attracted the attention of scalpers eager to cash in. While pre-orders are still open, scalpers have jumped the gun, listing the controllers on eBay for double the retail price.

There are two unique limited-edition GTA 6 DualSense controllers, both featuring the game’s “VI” logo and a design adorned with palm trees. The color scheme mirrors the vibrant art style of Grand Theft Auto 6, showcasing shades of pink, purple, and blue. Stock is dwindling fast; as soon as pre-orders went live, fans flocked to the PlayStation website to snag their controllers.

These limited-edition controllers are priced at $84.99, but scalpers are already marking them up to exorbitant prices on eBay. Given that they haven’t sold out yet and pre-orders are still available, it’s likely that scalper prices will continue to climb.

In today’s gaming landscape, securing limited or special edition hardware at retail price has become nearly impossible. Scalpers consistently beat genuine fans to the punch, forcing them to pay inflated prices to complete their collections. For instance, thousands rushed to the Nintendo website after a Direct to grab the Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2 and Metroid Ravenous special edition, while the 25th anniversary Xbox Series X25 sold out in mere seconds. These items are now being resold at high prices on various platforms. This issue is particularly prevalent in the gaming community but has also spread to other entertainment sectors, such as IMAX ticket sales.

Sony is attempting to combat scalpers by restricting orders to one DualSense controller per account, but this measure hasn’t fully curbed the issue. In Japan, some physical stores are even employing facial recognition technology to limit scalpers’ access to stock. Unfortunately, this tactic isn’t feasible for online sales, allowing scalpers to continue thriving in the digital marketplace.