Sony's PlayStation 5 console is one of the most sought-after pieces of tech right now, with new PS5s virtually impossible to purchase from anyone that isn't a scalper. Due to a variety of reasons, the PS5 console supply shortage is expected to continue through at least the middle of 2022, and so it's safe to say that some fans who were holding out may be breaking down and paying the jacked-up scalper prices. And it seems they would be paying around the same price for the new officially-branded PS5 t-shirts from Sony and Balenciaga.
Sony and Balenciaga are selling Balenciaga-branded PS5 t-shirts that cost a stunning $675, which is nearly $200 more than a PlayStation 5 disc console costs, and about $300 more than a PS5 digital edition console. The shirts come in red and black, but there are some other PS5 Balenciaga items that people with a lot of disposable income can purchase as well. $150 will get consumers a PS5 sock, while a staggering $495 will get them a PS5 ballcap.
Spending $495 for a hat, which is nearly as much as a PS5 disc console costs, may seem silly to some, but there's something even more expensive on sale. Those who are really looking to break the bank can spend a whopping $875 on a PlayStation hoodie. Since a PS5 disc console costs $500 and the digital edition costs $400, the hoodie almost costs as much as it would to buy both PS5 consoles at MSRP.
Some scalpers even sell the PS5 for around the same price that these clothing items cost, though hopefully that situation gets resolved sooner rather than later. The initial belief was the the PS5 supply shortage would be fixed around the midpoint of this year, but that's clearly not going to be the case. The new mid-2022 forecast seems a lot more realistic, but who knows what will happen between now and then. It's possible some other issue will arise that will make it so PS5 consoles are still difficult to find next year as well.
While it's no doubt disappointing for many that the PS5 is so hard to find, the bright side is that many of the console's biggest upcoming comes are also coming to PS4. There are some true PS5 exclusives, like Returnal and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, but games like Horizon Forbidden West and the God of War sequel are both set to be cross-gen games. This will ensure that all PlayStation fans can play the new games, even if they are still unable to find a PS5 console by the time they came out.
Source: Balenciaga (via Input)