Since the PS5 and Xbox Series X debuted, both have suffered from inventory shortages. Much of this is due to extraordinary demand from customers and the inability to keep up with eager buyers, but there was (and still is) another culprit for the continued shortage of consoles: duffers.

When PS5 systems arrive in stock, they seem to disappear quickly. Around the world, these systems are bought up at retail prices and resold at a premium through marketplaces such as eBay. For consumers, the ability to purchase a system without paying double or triple the price has become a major problem. In fact, according to a recent analysis, duffers have sold about 10-15% of all video game consoles sold in recent months.

Politicians are now calling on the UK government to consider a ban on console duffers and other protective legislation. This is to ensure that duffers do not overwhelm the system so that consumers who want to buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X can get one.

In late 2020, British MPs debated an early motion to consider outlawing bots for buying "game consoles and computer parts" as well as banning duffers. This initiative was spearheaded by MP Douglas Chapman.

After gathering 35 signatures from other legislators, Chapman is prepared to consider the issue further. He indicated to IGN that he and other legislators are considering "submitting a bill to the National Assembly so that we can further consider legal options to protect consumers from this unfair practice."

Chapman's move could be seen as a form of escalation to bring the bill to the attention of the government. Chapman revealed that he first learned of the issue when he was personally contacted by constituents in Dunfermline and West Fife complaining that they were unable to receive Christmas gifts such as PS5, Xbox Series X and other components.

"Upon investigation," Chapman explained, "we discovered details of a vice called 'scalping,' in which automated bots purchase these items in bulk and sell them at inflated prices."

While there is still no new movement in terms of what to expect from the bill, the UK is at least moving toward a solution to ensure that this problem does not plague buyers who just want to spend their own money on goods. It is quite possible that something similar could happen in the U.S. once safeguards and laws are in place, but at this point there does not appear to be any federal legislation. At this time, 15 states have laws restricting scalping, with violations ranging from misdemeanors to penalties of up to one year in prison.