The PS5 bundle could be an antidote to bots and scalpers — here's how

The PS5 bundle could be an antidote to bots and scalpers — here's how

Finding a retailer with a PS5 in stock is a thankless task for many PlayStation fans. However, it looks like there may be a solution to that pesky problem.

Not only is PS5 inventory building up again, but restocking seems to be going on a bit longer. And that may be due to the PS5 being sold as part of a bundle.

TechRadar reports that GameSpot had more PS5 inventory on January 7, with the console remaining in stock for about 15 minutes. While this may not seem like a long time, 15 minutes is a very long time considering that PS5 inventory sold out in an instant last November and December.

Our colleagues at TechRadar speculate that selling the PS5 in bundles with games and accessories will keep it from being targeted by bots used by duffers to buy up PS5s and later sell them for a higher price. Apparently, bots and resellers do not target bundled versions. This is because it is difficult to make a profit selling games and accessories that are not in high demand.

That's why the $729.99 PS5 bundle (consisting of the console itself, two DualSense controllers, Demon's Souls, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and a $20 gift card) stayed in stock much longer than the PS5 itself.

All games and accessories other than the console are available at regular retail prices. Therefore, it is only the main unit, and not the other bundled items, that the duffer can profit from.

A similar situation was seen with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Last year, the UK retailer Game sold pre-orders of the Xbox Series X bundle, which seemed to be on sale longer than the console itself. And now Game is offering pre-orders for the Xbox Series S bundle.

That means there may be light at the end of the tunnel for getting a PS5 or Xbox Series X this year. Of course, that depends on retailers offering more bundled products than the console alone.

And that means you'll have to pay more overall to get a new console. However, if the games you want to play are bundled, the bundle can offer a good value.

In the meantime, check out our articles on where to buy a PS5 and where to buy an Xbox Series X to get updates on inventory updates and retailers selling the consoles.

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