It seems Sony has a scalping problem in Japan with the PlayStation 5 Pro. The company has now announced a new initiative for PS5 Pro sales in Japan going forward, which requires customers to have at least 60 hours of playtime on the PS5 or PS4 (or both) over the past couple of years, or more specifically, between September 27, 2024, and September 27, 2026. The requirement is exclusive to Japan.

The new 60-hour requirement arrives as Sony reopens sales of the premium PlayStation in the region. The console was hit by a price hike in Japan earlier this year, among other regions, where it now costs ¥137,980 (~$875 USD). Eligible users who sign up for orders will be placed into a lottery draw, so there’s no guaranteed purchase, with applications live until October 7, 2026.

Buying a PlayStation 5 Pro in Japan is now a lottery

Applications for purchasing the “PlayStation®5 Pro” at the Sony Store will be accepted starting today, September 28 (Mon).

There are conditions for applications and purchases. If the number of applications exceeds the planned sales volume, it will be determined by lottery, so please understand this in advance.

For details, see here ⇒ https://play.st/4dVOa5E

PlayStation_jp on X [translation by Google]

On the campaign page, we can see that the application period is live until Wednesday, October 7. As you’d expect, anyone working their way through the application form will be prompted to sign in to their Japan-based PSN account to prove their gaming credentials with at least 60 hours over the past couple of years. In reality, that’s very little playtime for most gamers, and you’re probably not opting for the flagship Pro model as an ultra-casual user, in any case.

The lottery will only take place if the number of applicants exceeds the “planned number of units to be sold,” which we don’t know the exact amount of. Either way, winners will be notified via email on Monday, October 26, 2026. For those successful with the application, payment must be completed before the end of November 2, otherwise your spot will be redrawn.

It’s a similar tactic to what we’ve seen with Valve’s recent hardware launches for the Steam Frame and Steam Machine, both of which have a randomized system to help deter scalpers – and your Steam account has to be “in good standing”. Valve also set up a reservation queue for the Steam Controller in May after it sold out immediately, though those are being processed in order.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.