Almost a year after the launch of Sony's PlayStation 5, the issue of console scalpers is being solved by a Japanese retailer with a surprisingly simple solution.A post from Gaijinhunter on Twitter translated the latest anti-scalping strategy being used by Nojima Denki. Due to various complications that have caused the demand to outweigh the supply for the PS5, scalpers have taken advantage of the issue by reselling the console for prices exceeding the manufacturer's suggested retail price. However, retailer Nojima Denki has begun deterring scalpers by simply writing the full names of the buyer on the box, while also opening and removing the DualShock controller box inside. And while the ink used to write the name could be wiped away, the grooves it would imprint into the box would be difficult to hide.

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The reason this rather simple solution is so effective is due to most scalpers' wishes to remain anonymous. Given the highly frowned upon nature of the act, scalpers will be more hesitant to resell when the product can be traced back to them. Opening the box for the duel sense controller might not entirely prevent the console from being resold, but it would still deter some buyers who don't want to risk a damaged controller. The solution as a whole will by no means entirely eliminate scalping, but even a slight reduction in the practice would help those still looking for the console.

While scalpers have been a hindrance to most gamers still seeking a PlayStation 5, they have recently found scalping to be less profitable. Figures suggest that the resale prices for the console are at an all-time low on second-hand marketplaces. Although scalpers are still able to make a profit, the falling price of the PS5 on sites like eBay, in addition to an increased wariness of buying from scalpers, has somewhat reduced the issue. However, the problem persists as the supply has been unable to truly reach the demand due to the global shortage of semiconductors.

While Nojima Denki's efforts against scalpers have been met with relative support from customers, it remains to be seen if any other retailers follow suit with similar practices. Most scalpers have previously acquired their consoles using bots to bypass the process of sitting in an online queue. However, Nojima Denki's process would require some form of official ID to verify the purchaser's identity. At present, no official laws have been passed to prevent the scalping of consoles, although the issue has been raised in the UK Parliament.

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Source: Twitter