Sony Japan Sets PS5 Pro Lottery With Playtime Requirement

Sony Japan has announced that purchasing a PlayStation 5 Pro in Japan will require meeting specific conditions, including a Japan-registered Sony account and at least 60 hours of playtime on PS4 or PS5 between September 27, 2024 and September 27, 2026. Applications to buy the console open on October 7, and approved buyers can complete their purchase from October 26 to November 2. If applications exceed available stock, Sony will use a lottery system to allocate units.

The eligibility rules mark an unusual step for a console launch, tying access to a purchase to prior engagement with the PlayStation ecosystem. The playtime window spans two years, meaning applicants must have accumulated the required hours before the application period begins.

The PS5 Pro has been unavailable at major US retailers for a while due to a stock shortage, according to Engadget. That shortage has made the console difficult to find through normal retail channels.

In background, Sony has said it believes component supply constraints will continue through early 2027. The PS5 Pro also received a $150 price hike, and Grand Theft Auto VI was officially announced as PS5 Pro Enhanced.