A significant games retailer has issued a warning regarding potential console shortages in anticipation of Grand Theft Auto 6's November launch. This alert has heightened concerns that scalpers may exploit the high demand for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles during the upcoming Christmas period.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. With Rockstar's upcoming open-world title projected to be the largest entertainment launch ever, consumer interest in acquiring a current-generation console is expected to surge dramatically.
While this heightened demand would typically benefit Sony and Microsoft, retailers are reportedly worried about their capacity to meet it. An anonymous source from a "major" games retailer stated that ongoing hardware component availability issues will limit the number of consoles they receive before GTA 6's release, predicting that demand will likely surpass supply throughout the year-end period.
Both Sony and Microsoft have implemented price increases for their consoles this year. Microsoft's latest price adjustment is set to take effect on August 1, while some speculate Sony may announce further PS5 price hikes before the year concludes. These price increases are attributed to the "RAMpocalypse," a global shortage and price crisis for memory components, driven by semiconductor manufacturers prioritizing high-margin hardware for AI data centers. Microsoft has noted that console storage and memory prices have more than doubled, with further increases expected by the fall of 2027.
Industry executives acknowledge that the entire consumer electronics sector is grappling with component shortages, with consoles being particularly affected. Unlike many other devices, consoles are often sold at a loss to their manufacturing cost. Microsoft executives have maintained that demand for Xbox consoles exceeds supply and that they are struggling to improve the situation.
This confluence of factors suggests that consumers seeking to play GTA 6 at launch may face difficulties in acquiring a console. Purchasing a current-generation console sooner rather than later is advisable, given the impending price increases for Xbox consoles and the uncertainty surrounding future PS5 pricing. The anticipated demand for GTA 6 could also lead to consoles selling out, creating opportunities for scalpers to inflate prices, potentially forcing consumers to pay exorbitant amounts for systems like the Xbox Series X or PS5 Pro.