Regional locking is a limitation that has existed on consoles almost since the beginning. For various reasons, video game console manufacturers often establish a series of rules that restrict certain games depending on the country you are in.
Why is there region lock on consoles?
Just like with streaming platforms , getting multimedia content into your hands involves a complex world of agreements and licenses . Most of the time, if a video game or TV series isn't available on your country's platform, it's for this reason.
However, historically there have been many other reasons . For many studios, translating titles that are unlikely to sell well in Europe or America is not profitable. Regional locking is very useful in these cases, as it ensures that no one will be able to distribute the video game in a market where it won't be successful.
If PS5 is Region Free, why do I still have limits?
In the past, consoles were limited by firmware. Those were different times, and technologies like the PAL system in Europe and NTSC in the United States presented a real physical barrier when it came to running video games on your living room console.
Globalization gradually eased these restrictions. The PlayStation 5 was announced almost from the beginning as a region-free console . This means that Sony cannot prevent you from inserting into your console a game purchased physically in Japan, even if that game is only distributed in Japan.
And we're back to the initial problem. The limitation doesn't apply to physical games , but it does apply to the PlayStation Store . To comply with its agreements, Sony restricts our access to applications that aren't available in our country of origin. Otherwise, the company would be exposed to all sorts of lawsuits from its partners.
How to change the Console Region
This first step will prepare your PS5 to bypass Sony's region lock . The process is as follows and will only take a few minutes:
- Turn on your PlayStation and select "New User". Follow the steps to create a user new and accept the EULA.
- When asked if you already have a PSN account, select "Create an account".
- Mark the region from the store what do you want to use. Tip: If you select a country from which you do not speak the language at all, such as Japan, prepare your mobile with the Google Translate app in camera mode.
- Fill in the data related to the language, date of birth and other user information that is requested.
- When asked about your location, search Google Maps for a place of reference in that city to place the street, number and postal code. Normally, a hotel is usually chosen so as not to cause inconvenience to any individual.
- Finish creating the profile establishing an ID and accepting the privacy policy.
When you open the PlayStation Store, you'll have access to that country's catalog . You'll be able to download apps, but you won't be able to buy video games yet.
How to use a VPN to be able to buy games not available for PS5
As you probably know, putting limits on the internet is more absurd than trying to fence in an open field. Enjoying PlayStation 5 games that aren't available in your region (or haven't even been released in your country yet) isn't really complicated , much less illegal. But obviously, Sony has to put up barriers to prevent everyone from doing it.
Once you have completed the step explained in the previous section, you will need to use a VPN to bypass the block.
What is VPN and why do I need it? are there any free?
Its acronym stands for "virtual private network." This increasingly popular technology serves to mask the location from which we connect to the network. We use our internet connection to connect to a server that publicly shares its IP address with us. You won't have to leave your home in Spain, but the whole world will see that you're browsing from Boston, for example.
Most VPN services are very inexpensive and you can subscribe only for the time you need them. You should avoid free ones, as they are especially slow and are often criticized for how they handle user privacy.
Prerequisites before buying from another PS Store
Payment method
In true " Among Us " fashion, the PlayStation Store payment gateway will detect you as an imposter if you use a credit or debit card from your country to pay in the foreign store. You'll need a much more subtle method, so if you don't want to complicate things too much, PayPal will be your best friend. Your secret will be kept, and you can even pay with your card through the platform.
However, there are other ways to circumvent this. You can buy a PS Store gift card that you want to use. There are many online stores that sell these types of prepaid cards. It's as simple as buying the card for your chosen country and redeeming the code on the PS Store.
Using the VPN
Once we understand the procedure, we'll need to connect our PS5 console to the VPN . To do this, you'll need to follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings of your PS5 and enter Network Settings.
- Select the connection method you are using (LAN or Wi-Fi) and go to Advanced Settings.
- Place your IP address in automatic". Under “Host Name”, check “Do not specify”.
- Now you can set a DNS in a manual. Click and type the address that your VPN provider has given you.
- Establishes the MTU in Automatic.
- Accept the changes and the console will automatically connect to the Internet through the VPN. Once the procedure is done, restart the PS5.
There's an easier way if you have unlimited data on your phone . Install a VPN service on your smartphone and create a hotspot . Connect your PS5 to the Wi-Fi network your phone is creating, and you'll have completed the process quickly. However, keep in mind that the download will use your mobile data connection, so this method isn't recommended if you're downloading very large games or if you have a limited data plan.
Purchase process and DLC compatibility warnings
If you've followed all the steps correctly, you'll now have complete freedom to browse any PS Store. You'll be able to download apps not available in your country and buy games that aren't in your local store , always paying with PayPal or a gift card or redeemable code from the PS Store in your country.
Finally, it's very important to know that despite this entire procedure, DLC will still have a limitation . To install DLC on a game you already have downloaded on your console, you'll have to use the same account that was used to originally purchase the title, and it must be from the same region . If you combine a Spanish game with American DLC to save a few euros, rest assured it won't work, and you'll lose your money.