Retailers Warn of Console Shortages Ahead of GTA 6, Raising Fears Scalpers Will Ruin Christmas

A major retailer has issued warnings about console shortages leading up to the November launch of GTA 6, sparking concerns that scalpers will exploit the high demand for PS5 and Xbox Series X and S this holiday season. GTA 6 will only be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, meaning players need a current-gen console from either Sony or Microsoft to play. Rockstar's highly anticipated open-world adventure is expected to be the biggest entertainment launch ever, driving a surge in console interest. While this would normally be great news for Sony and Microsoft, retailers fear they won't be able to meet demand, according to The Game Business. An anonymous source from a "major" games retailer stated, "We've been informed that due to ongoing hardware component availability issues, we won't get the units we want ahead of GTA. Demand will likely outstrip supply during the year-end period." Both Sony and Microsoft have raised console prices this year, with Microsoft's latest hike taking effect on August 1. Some worry Sony may announce another PS5 price increase before year's end, following a previous rise in April that led to a sales slump in the U.S. Current prices: PS5 at $649.99, PS5 Digital Edition at $599.99, and PS5 Pro at $899.99. The price hikes stem from the "RAMpocalypse," a global memory shortage driven by semiconductor manufacturers shifting DRAM and NAND production to high-margin AI hardware. Microsoft noted, "Last October, we increased Xbox console prices by $20-$70 in the U.S. We hoped another increase wouldn't be necessary, but console storage and memory prices have risen over 2.5x, with another doubling expected by fall 2027. The entire consumer electronics industry faces this crisis, but consoles are hit hardest as they're typically sold at a loss." Microsoft executives confirm demand exceeds supply for Xbox. For players wanting GTA 6 at launch who need a current-gen console, buying sooner is wise. Xbox Series X and S prices rise in August, and Sony's PS5 pricing remains uncertain. Moreover, both consoles may sell out due to GTA 6 demand, opening the door for scalpers. The last thing anyone needs is paying $1,500 for an Xbox Series X on eBay just to play GTA 6. I dread to think what scalpers will charge for a PS5 Pro this Christmas if it sells out. For the latest updates, check our ongoing GTA 6 live report.