Seems to me that the person that spends the money for a luxury item and overpays is the problem. That person's priorities are screwed. They have issues. Taking advantage of someone in this manner is a stretch. It's not food, water or shelter. If a god damn video game system or some other non essential product. A persons stupidty or lack of common sense is not a reason to defend someone for over spending on something that is a want and not a need.

Scalping is generally a product of open markets (when demand exceeds available supply) and flaws in the provider's distribution system.

So in most cases when scalping is rampant, it's not unfair to blame the manufacturer for failing to produce enough to meet demand, although this may be due to factors out of their hands. The manufacturer is dependent upon supply channels and OEM providers who may fail to fulfill contracts on time.

So the only real time it's completely acceptable to fault the manufacturer, is in instances of artificially produced scarcity, which is a risk involved strategy to increase demand and ultimately increase sales if the consumer is swayed by such tactics. "Limited Edition" "Inaugural Edition" "First Edition" etc. are sales tactics that fall into this strategy.

So when it comes to scalpers, typically they are providing the service (yes, service) of distributing supply to underserved markets or individuals for a premium or finder's fee.

It's generally only unscrupulous when the scalper attempts to divert a significant portion of local supply in the interest of blocking the manufacturer's distribution plan to increase their reseller's fee.

It should go without saying that manufacturers can kick this practice in the head by simply providing more supply barring hiccups in manufacturing, OEM parts sourcing or even distribution (shipping).

Just, whyyyyy. I'm sure it won't be that hard to get one in stores...

Posted this in another thread. What if the sales on day one were just scalpers? They don't know the industry like we do. They just know something is coming out and they want to make a quick buck. Any one of us could have told them that a $500 consider that plays the same games as a readily available $250 console is not going to be the next SNES Classic.

I think people are mixing "scummy" up with "stupid."  They're only stupid if they can't sell. 

And yeah, capitalism something something.

So how does Gamestop screw people over on a non-essential product when people are willing to pay or accept the amount being set by Gamestop.  Seems kind of like its ok for you being on the winning end but when you are on the losing end of the deal the other party is screwing you ... perhaps I'm wrong, please explain the difference in your mind.

It isn't even sold out. Yes, supplies are "limited", but it isn't a disaster. Like seriously, who would buy the Xbox One X for $200 over retail?

You can get more from other places then what GameStop gives for used games or consoles. As well as what they charge for a used game or console. We're talking used vs new here. There are many other choices then them who will give more. GameStop and scalpers are the same in how they sell a service or product. I understand how both work and don't buy from either. But to say its unethical is dumb. If people are stupid enough to spend the cash then that's their problem. No matter who they buy from. GameStop is a business, scalpers are opportunists who seizes a opportunity. I have a family member that works at GameStop corporate. The policy's they have are very anti consumer. It's a totally different conversation. Screwing the gamer was the wrong words to use. And this is not about me. 

Let me rephrase. The scalpers who bought SNES Classics at 80 bucks and sold them for hundreds even thought it was well stocked are stupid.

https://segmentnext.com/2014/06/17/xbox-one-launch-japan-special-day-one-edition/
Because when the Xbox One launched in Japan it did so with that bundle, perhaps?

And before someone says "xbox one x sold out in japan!!!!"
https://kotaku.com/the-reason-why-the-xbox-one-x-is-selling-out-in-japan-1820208004
Stores didn't actually stock any in their stores, and only shipped out units people preordered.