Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan has launched a strict lottery-based reservation system for the PlayStation 5 Pro, implementing a “playtime verification” barrier to combat scalpers. To be eligible for the latest hardware, Japanese residents must demonstrate a significant history of active gaming on the platform, effectively barring new customers and first-time PlayStation buyers from the high-end console.
Applicants are required to have a Japanese PlayStation Network (PSN) account with at least 60 hours of active playtime recorded between September 27, 2024, and September 27, 2026. This requirement represents a significant tightening of Sony’s anti-scalping measures.
The application period for the lottery is currently open and is scheduled to close on October 7, 2026. Sony plans to notify winners on October 26, after which those selected will have until November 2, 2026, to complete their purchase at the current Japanese MSRP of ¥137,980.
The move toward a restrictive lottery system follows extreme stock imbalances in the Japanese market. This scarcity is attributed to a global shortage of DRAM and memory components, which has constrained production of the Pro model even as consumer interest spikes ahead of the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI.
By leveraging playtime data, Sony is attempting to ensure that available inventory reaches long-term enthusiasts rather than resellers. However, the 60-hour requirement serves as a total lockout for anyone who has not been active on a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 during the last 24 months.
The supply crunch and subsequent sales restrictions come amid a broader shift in Sony’s hardware strategy. The company is reportedly planning to skip CES 2027, which would mark the end of a multi-decade association with the event. This shift suggests a move away from traditional trade-show unveilings in favor of direct-to-consumer digital events and targeted regional hardware drops like the current Japanese lottery system.
