GTA 6 PS5 Controller Preorders Crash PlayStation Store, Scalpers Swarm eBay
Preorders for the limited edition Grand Theft Auto 6 PS5 DualSense controllers went live this morning, and the experience was pure chaos, per reports from IGN and Kotaku. PlayStation Direct buckled under the traffic, with users stuck in hour-plus queues and encountering error screens featuring the mascot Astro Bot.
IGN reports that some shoppers attempting to sign in were kicked back to the end of the line, while others had to switch browsers or devices to proceed. While PlayStation has limited purchases to one controller per account to curb scalping, it hasn't stopped the resale market. The controllers are already listed on eBay for nearly double their $84.99 retail price, with some asking as much as $195.
Two color variants are available. A white controller, described by Sony as embodying "Vice City at daybreak," is sold at multiple retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and GameStop. A black version, said to capture the city's nightlife, is exclusive to PlayStation Direct. Both feature a color-shifting finish on the grips, embossed palm tree etchings, and a large "VI" on the touchpad.
Kotaku notes that stock is fluctuating rapidly, with the white variant selling out at Best Buy and GameStop shortly after preorders opened. As of this morning, some availability reportedly remained at Walmart and GameStop, though users reported persistent errors when trying to add the item to their carts.
The controllers are scheduled to arrive on November 19, which coincides with the launch date for Grand Theft Auto 6 itself.
