Retailers Are Issuing Console Shortage Warnings Ahead of GTA 6, and Now I'm Worried Scalpers Are Going to Have a Field Day This Christmas

A major retailer has warned that console shortages may occur ahead of the launch of GTA 6 in November, raising concerns that scalpers could exploit the high demand for PS5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles during the holiday season. GTA 6, set to release exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, means that players will need a current-generation console to experience the game. With Rockstar Games' highly anticipated title expected to be the biggest entertainment launch of all time, consumer interest in acquiring a new console is likely to surge dramatically.

The Impact of GTA 6 on Console Demand

According to The Game Business, retailers are expressing anxiety about their ability to meet the expected demand. A "major" games retailer has reportedly warned that console supply will fall short during the crucial holiday period. An anonymous source from the retailer shared: “We’ve been informed that because of the ongoing issues around hardware component availability, we won’t be getting the units we want ahead of GTA.” The source also noted that “demand will likely outstrip supply during the year-end period.”

Both Sony and Microsoft have raised the prices of their consoles this year, with Microsoft’s latest price hike not taking effect until August 1. Concerns are growing that Sony may also increase the price of the PS5 before the year ends, following a previous price rise in April that led to a significant decline in U.S. sales. As of now, the PS5 costs $649.99, the PS5 Digital Edition is priced at $599.99, and the PS5 Pro is $899.99.

Here are the updated prices for Xbox consoles, effective August 1, 2026:

  • Xbox Series S 512GB: $399.99 → $499.99
  • Xbox Series S 1TB: $449.99 → $599.99
  • Xbox Series X 1TB Digital: $599.99 → $749.99
  • Xbox Series X 1TB: $649.99 → $799.99

These price increases are directly tied to the ongoing RAMpocalypse, a global memory shortage and price crisis caused by semiconductor manufacturers shifting production capacity toward high-margin hardware for AI data centers. Microsoft stated that it had hoped to avoid another price hike but has been working with suppliers to find solutions. However, with console storage and memory prices increasing by more than 2.5x, the company expects a further doubling by the fall of 2027.

The Console Industry's Struggles

The entire consumer electronics industry is grappling with a components crisis, but consoles are hit especially hard. Unlike phones, computers, or speakers, consoles are typically sold at a loss, not for profit. This makes it even more challenging for manufacturers to meet growing demand.

Microsoft executives have confirmed that Xbox console demand exceeds supply and that they are struggling to close the gap. For consumers, this means that if you want to play GTA 6 at launch and need a current-gen console, it may be wise to act quickly. Prices for Xbox Series X and S will increase in August, and it remains unclear what Sony might do with the PS5’s pricing before the end of the year.

With such high demand, it’s possible that both console offerings could sell out, creating an opportunity for scalpers to cash in. The last thing anyone needs is to face the prospect of paying $1,500 for an Xbox Series X on eBay just to play GTA 6. It’s even more concerning to imagine what scalpers might charge for a PS5 Pro during the holiday season if it sells out.

For all the latest updates on GTA 6, be sure to check out our ongoing live report, where we provide a steady stream of news and developments on the game.