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The PlayStation 5 Pro is already one of Sony’s most expensive gaming consoles, but gamers looking to buy one ahead of Grand Theft Auto VI may be in for an unpleasant surprise.

GameStop has reportedly been listing pre-owned PS5 Pro consoles for as much as $1,499.99, a remarkable price for used hardware. The situation is especially striking because Sony’s current U.S. manufacturer suggested retail price for a new PS5 Pro is $899.99. (Notebookcheck)

The timing has led to speculation that anticipation surrounding GTA 6 is helping drive demand — and prices — for Sony’s most powerful PlayStation 5.

GameStop’s Used PS5 Pro Prices Are Hard to Ignore

Used game consoles are normally expected to cost less than new models. In this case, however, the opposite appears to be happening.

Reports indicate that GameStop’s website has listed pre-owned PS5 Pro systems for approximately $1,399.99, while an internal communication reportedly instructed stores to price certain models — including versions with disc drives and 30th Anniversary editions — as high as $1,499.99. GameStop has not publicly confirmed the reported internal memo. (Gadget Review)

That means a buyer could potentially spend hundreds of dollars more on a used console than Sony’s official price for a new PS5 Pro.

The unusual pricing appears to reflect market demand rather than the normal relationship between new and used hardware.

GTA 6 Could Be a Major Factor

The timing is difficult to overlook.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at launch. Sony has specifically promoted the PS5 as the place to experience the game, while the PlayStation Store identifies GTA 6 as PS5 Pro Enhanced. (PlayStation.Blog)

That makes GTA 6 a potentially powerful sales driver for PS5 hardware.

Millions of gamers who have been waiting for Rockstar’s next Grand Theft Auto game may now be looking to upgrade their consoles. For some players, the PS5 Pro could be particularly attractive because of its enhanced graphics capabilities.

The problem is that increased demand can create opportunities for retailers and resellers to charge substantially more.

Why the PS5 Pro Matters for GTA 6

Rockstar has not publicly detailed exactly how GTA 6 will perform on the PS5 Pro compared with the standard PS5.

However, Sony’s store listing confirms that the game is PS5 Pro Enhanced. (PlayStation Store)

That designation suggests players with Sony’s premium console can expect some technical advantages, potentially including improved image quality, graphics settings or other performance enhancements.

For a game as visually ambitious as GTA 6, those improvements could make the PS5 Pro particularly desirable.

The base PS5 is still fully supported, meaning players do not need a PS5 Pro to play GTA 6. But gamers who want the best possible console experience may be willing to pay a premium.

$1,499 for a Used PS5 Pro Is a Tough Sell

Even for serious PlayStation fans, $1,499 is difficult to justify.

At that price, a used PS5 Pro costs roughly $600 more than Sony’s current $899.99 MSRP for a new system. (Gadget Review)

And that’s before purchasing GTA 6 itself.

The standard edition of GTA 6 is listed at $79.99, while the Ultimate Edition is $99.99 on the PlayStation Store. (PlayStation Store)

A gamer buying a $1,499 PS5 Pro and the $99.99 Ultimate Edition would be looking at roughly $1,600 before taxes and accessories.

That’s a substantial investment for a gaming console and one game.

Scarcity May Be Playing a Role

Another factor appears to be supply.

Reports indicate that PS5 Pro availability has become increasingly limited, while secondary-market prices have climbed. Some recent resale listings have reportedly closed above $1,000, with certain new units commanding even higher prices. (Notebookcheck)

If retailers have limited inventory and consumers are racing to purchase a PS5 Pro before GTA 6 launches, traditional pricing models can go out the window.

GameStop may simply be responding to what consumers are willing to pay in the current market.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the $1,499 price will last.

Should You Buy a PS5 Pro Before GTA 6?

For most gamers, probably not at $1,499.

If you already own a standard PS5, there’s little reason to spend that much simply to play GTA 6. The game is designed to run on the standard PS5, and Sony has confirmed that both PS5 and PS5 Pro support the title. (PlayStation)

If you don’t own a PS5 and specifically want the Pro model, it may make more sense to wait for retail inventory and avoid inflated used-console prices.

The situation could change significantly once GTA 6 launches and the initial buying frenzy settles down.

GTA 6 Could Change the Console Market

The enormous anticipation surrounding GTA 6 is already having an impact on the gaming industry before the game has even launched.

Rockstar’s next Grand Theft Auto could become one of the biggest entertainment launches of the year, and the fact that it requires current-generation hardware means millions of players may need to buy a PS5, PS5 Pro or Xbox Series console before they can play.

That creates a powerful incentive for retailers and resellers to capitalize on demand.

But $1,499 for a used PS5 Pro is still a remarkable price — particularly when a new one carries a much lower official MSRP.

For gamers planning to play GTA 6, the best strategy may be patience. Unless you absolutely need the PS5 Pro immediately, paying hundreds of dollars above retail for used hardware could prove to be a very expensive way to get ready for Vice City.