Sony requires Japanese buyers to provide proof of at least 60 hours of gameplay on PlayStation before they can apply to purchase the PS5 Pro in the official store. This innovation targets speculators who repeatedly bought out consoles from store shelves in Japan. The application window opened on the X network. According to Sony Store conditions, applicants must register at least 60 hours of gameplay on PS4 or PS5 between September 27, 2024, and September 27, 2026. Only game time on the Japanese Sony account from which the application was submitted is considered, so newly created accounts cannot participate. Additionally, all applicants must reside in Japan.
Applications will close on October 7, and winners will be notified on October 26. Buyers must complete the purchase by November 2. Each account can purchase only one console. The cost of the 2TB model is ¥137,980, which is approximately $876. However, reaching the 60-hour mark does not guarantee obtaining the console. Sony will also conduct a lottery among applicants if the number of interested parties exceeds the planned circulation. The new rule doubled the gameplay time requirement, as previously Japanese buyers of the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition needed only 30 hours. Meanwhile, Japanese retailers have repeatedly sold out the standard PS5 Pro model. Sony also warns that it will cancel any orders it believes were placed by a reseller. Buyers cannot change the delivery address after submitting the application, and the company prohibits forwarding packages.
Cost issues with hardware exacerbate the situation. Sony has already raised console prices as demand for AI memory has driven up chip prices. Sony's shares (SONY) have fallen by almost 10% this year, although they have slightly increased after the June low below $20. It is clear that this innovation is part of Sony's broader strategy to tighten control over its ecosystem. The company plans to cease the release of game discs in January 2028. StudioCanal purchased movies have also been removed from PlayStation libraries. Nevertheless, this rule may leave returning players, who missed PlayStation for two years, without a console. The October lottery will show whether confirming gameplay time truly reduces reselling or simply shifts speculators to older accounts.
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