Sony Introduces Playtime Requirements for PS5 Pro Purchases in Japan to Combat Scalpers
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Sony is implementing a playtime requirement for PS5 Pro purchases in Japan via a lottery system to shut down scalpers. The move comes as component costs rise and players scramble to secure hardware ahead of major late-year releases.
Sony is taking a firm stance against hardware scalpers by introducing a strict lottery system for the PlayStation 5 Pro in Japan, as reported by Polygon. Facing severe supply constraints driven by rising component costs and overwhelming global demand, the tech giant is attempting to ensure that actual players get priority access over automated reselling rings.
To qualify for the lottery on the PlayStation Network, applicants must hold a registered Japanese account with a minimum of 60 cumulative hours of playtime logged between September 2024 and September 2026. While the threshold is modest enough for any regular player to clear easily, it serves as a practical barrier against mass-created bot accounts typically used by scalpers to scoop up limited inventory.
Selected participants will earn the right to purchase the console for 137,980 yen, roughly translating to $875, ahead of a crowded autumn release schedule that includes massive titles like GTA 6. While Sony has not yet expanded this specific verification method to international markets, the move highlights the ongoing struggle to protect player access as hardware prices climb and availability remains tight across the industry.
Tags: PlayStation, Hardware, PS5 Pro, Gaming Industry
Original article: Polygon