Sony Introduces Playtime Requirement to Combat PS5 Pro Scalpers in Japan
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Sony is using a playtime requirement in a new Japanese lottery system for the PlayStation 5 Pro to block scalpers, though the cutoff leaves some genuine players behind.
Sony is taking a firm stance against hardware scalpers by introducing a strict purchase requirement for the PlayStation 5 Pro in Japan. Facing relentless bot activity and severe supply strain, the company has launched a lottery system that requires prospective buyers to prove their loyalty through their gaming history. According to details shared via GameRant, entrants must verify a PlayStation Network account showing at least 60 hours of playtime between late 2024 and late 2026 to qualify for a chance to buy the console at the standard retail price of 137,980 yen.
While the initiative is clearly designed to keep hardware out of the hands of resellers who routinely flip consoles for exorbitant prices on secondary markets, it also creates hurdles for legitimate players. Because the tracking window for the required hours has already closed, anyone who recently joined the platform, switched from competing ecosystems, or spent the last two years gaming primarily on PC, mobile, or alternative consoles is effectively locked out of the pool.
Scalping and artificial scarcity continue to plague hardware launches globally, leaving many players wondering if Sony will expand similar verification measures to western markets where resale markups remain out of hand. While tying hardware purchases to active player profiles is an aggressive strategy that prioritizes dedicated community members over casual buyers, it highlights just how far manufacturers must go to protect standard pricing in modern hardware economies.
Tags: PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony, Hardware, Gaming Industry, PlayStation Network
Original article: Game Rant