Sony has implemented an unusual system in Japan to sell the PlayStation 5 Pro. The company's most powerful console continues to experience stock shortages, and instead of selling it on a first-come, first-served basis, interested buyers are required to enter a lottery. This measure aims to manage demand that exceeds available stock.
The situation is currently concentrated in the Japanese market. No similar system has been announced for Spain or the rest of Europe, although PS5 Pro availability may vary depending on the store and the time. The supply problem is global , but the special rules apply only in Japan.
Sony uses a lottery in Japan to sell the PS5 Pro
The system is simple on paper, but it illustrates the seriousness of the matter. Anyone wanting a unit must request to purchase it, and if the requests exceed the number of consoles available, Sony holds a lottery. Winning doesn't mean receiving the console for free ; it only grants the opportunity to acquire it at the official price.
That price in Japan is 137.980 yen, which is roughly €770 at the current exchange rate. The console isn't cheap or easy to find , yet demand remains high.
Sony attributes the system's shortfall to component shortages and the resale market. The lack of available units has fueled speculation, with units reappearing on the secondary market at prices far exceeding the official retail price. The company wants to prevent consoles from ending up in the hands of resellers while regular gamers are left without options.
60 hours of gameplay as a filter for purchase
To enter the draw, simply being interested isn't enough. Sony requires a PSN account registered in Japan and properly linked to the company's services. Additionally, applicants must have accumulated at least 60 hours of gameplay on PS4, PS5, or both between September 27, 2024, and September 27, 2026. Playtime is verified on the account itself , so any newly created profile won't qualify.
This requirement acts as a barrier against bots and accounts created solely for speculation. It's not an impossible number for someone who plays frequently, but it excludes those who have barely used a PlayStation in the last two years or want to buy their first Sony console. The measure prioritizes profiles with genuine activity within the ecosystem.
Even so, meeting the requirements doesn't guarantee anything. Sony can verify the information, and if there are more valid applications than units available, a lottery will decide who can purchase the console. The purchase is contingent upon the lottery's outcome , not simply on submitting an application.
PS5 Pro release dates, payment details, and delivery information in Japan
The application deadline is October 7th. Those selected will be notified starting October 26th and will have until November 2nd to complete payment. If they fail to do so, their place will be released and they may be entered into a new draw. The schedule is tight and does not allow for significant delays.
The underlying issue also stems from the hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI. The release of Rockstar's game has prompted many users to seek more powerful consoles, and the optimized version of GTA 6 for PS5 Pro has become one of the most sought-after models. This pressure isn't limited to the console's initial launch; it persists over time.
Sony's intention is for the units to reach those who will actually use the console, although the system doesn't completely eliminate the risk of speculation. The company combines lotteries, verification, and account control to try to regulate distribution.
A shortage that extends beyond Japan
The Japanese case is the most striking, but it's not an isolated phenomenon. Stock shortages and resale issues with the PS5 Pro have been seen in various markets. The difference is that, for now, Sony has only implemented this lottery with a minimum playtime requirement in Japan. There's no official announcement of similar measures for Spain or the rest of Europe.
For European gamers, the main difference is that they don't have to demonstrate a certain number of hours played to qualify for a console. However, that doesn't mean the console is always available in every store. Stock shortages and speculation continue to plague the console market.
The situation with the PS5 Pro in Japan combines scarcity, high demand, and exceptional measures. Sony has opted for a lottery system with 60 hours of gameplay as a qualifying factor, an official price of 137.980 yen, and a closed application and payment period. Outside of Japan, this requirement is not in place, but the problem of stock shortages and resale remains. Sony's most powerful console continues to be a difficult product to acquire for those unwilling to pay a premium.
