Microsoft's limited-edition 25th-Anniversary Xbox Series X experienced an immediate sellout upon its preorder launch, with units quickly appearing on resale markets like eBay. The highly sought-after console, which originally retailed for $900, has seen its price skyrocket on secondary markets, with some listings exceeding $27,000.
Within a minute of preorders going live, the console was no longer available through official channels. While some of these units are expected to reach genuine Xbox enthusiasts, a significant number have reportedly been acquired by resellers, often referred to as scalpers. These individuals are listing the consoles on eBay for substantially inflated prices. A cursory review of the platform reveals numerous listings, with prices ranging from approximately $2,200 to an exceptionally ambitious $27,426 from a seller in Australia. This extreme pricing strategy may be employed to ensure high visibility in eBay's search results.
Multiple consoles have already been sold at significant markups, with reported sales averaging between $1,900 and $2,300 per unit. This resale activity echoes the challenges faced by consumers during the early years of the current console generation. At that time, semiconductor shortages made both the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 difficult to obtain. Scalpers utilized various methods, including automated programs, to quickly purchase available stock during restocks, only to resell them at exorbitant prices. While supply chain issues eventually improved, leading to more accessible console availability, recent market factors have once again driven up prices without immediate signs of relief.
The trend of scalping impacting product availability and pricing extends beyond gaming hardware. Many hobbies have been negatively affected by what is often termed "hustle culture." The Pokémon Trading Card Game, in particular, has been heavily impacted, with new stock at retailers frequently being bought out by resellers. This phenomenon has even extended to merchandise collaborations, such as a recent Krispy Kreme promotion featuring Pokémon, which also attracted individuals looking to profit from limited items.