I have friends who jumped on it the minute it launched (for their own consumption ofc), I think there's also some significant hype and interest

Idk. People are just excited. Source: I am one of them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

That's how you create cheap hype for a meh product

I also jumped on it at the first opportunity.

Regarding hype and interest, I think Valve is positioned to replace Xbox as the third pillar of the console space next generation, assuming they can get the manufacturing base. I also think they don't realize that's within reach, or even an option.

I just had a look on Ebay Australia, and there a couple of hundred on there going for AU$250 to AU$350. The price on Steam is AU$150. Scumbags.

One outlier wants $650, and they're charging ten buck in postage as well, just to be extra evil.

I can recommend not buying one at those prices.

Way ahead of you. I can wait.

I set aside time to buy it as soon as they were available. I had two other friends doing the same. We each bought 2 controllers. I'm certain there are bot purchases, but I think there are more real people than you'd think