Consoles Return to MSRP Ahead of GTA 6
Most current PlayStation and Xbox models are widely available at manufacturer-suggested prices at major online retailers, with the PS5 Pro the notable exception.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Gaming
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As of November 2026, every current console model except the PS5 Pro is widely available at major online retailers at its manufacturer-suggested retail price. Xbox head Asha Sharma said demand for Xbox consoles still exceeds supply.
Why it matters
Stable availability at list price affects what American shoppers pay for hardware heading into the holiday season and the anticipated release of GTA 6. The gap between list price and reseller markups shows how unevenly supply is distributed.
Retail checks found every current console model except the PS5 Pro widely available at its suggested retail price, while resellers listed the PS5 Pro for as much as $1,400. Whether that availability will last through the Black Friday rush and the GTA 6 launch has not been determined.
The players
Asha Sharma
Asha Sharma leads Xbox and said publicly that demand for Xbox consoles currently exceeds available supply.
Sony
Sony, the maker of the PlayStation 5, is offering to buy back PS5 consoles for $400.
The details
The author checked stock at all major online retailers and compared each current console model against its manufacturer-suggested price. Microsoft has told Xbox owners to trade in their consoles, while Sony is offering to buy PS5 consoles back for $400.
Timeline
November 2026: Stock checked ahead of Black Friday and the expected GTA 6 release.
Market Context
The current console market is recovering from the multi-year shortage that drove resale prices far above list. Stock at suggested prices now contrasts with the reseller premiums that followed the earlier scarcity.
Shoppers hoping to buy a console at list price may find most models in stock now, though the PS5 Pro typically costs far more through resellers. Consumers weighing a trade-in or buy-back should compare Sony's $400 offer and Microsoft's trade-in terms before deciding.
The takeaway
Checking the manufacturer's price before buying from a reseller can save hundreds of dollars on current-generation consoles. Watching stock at major retailers in the weeks before a big release can reveal the best window to buy at list price.
Further reading
For broader context on console pricing and availability, see the Gaming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IGN.
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