Sony is tightening access to the PS5 Pro in Japan by reinstating a purchase lottery system, a move designed to curb reseller hoarding and prioritize active gamers. This policy shift directly impacts how players in the region can acquire the console, as standard retail stock remains virtually nonexistent. Buyers must now navigate a registration process that filters out casual interest and targets dedicated users.
Sony requires 60 hours of playtime to block resellers from PS5 Pro purchases
The new eligibility criteria require a PlayStation Network account with at least 60 hours of gameplay recorded over the past two years. Sony implemented this threshold to verify that applicants are genuine players rather than bots or professional scalpers. This requirement effectively bars inactive accounts from participating in the draw.
The lottery system mirrors the measures Sony used during the initial PS5 shortage, signaling that supply constraints have not eased. The company aims to distribute the limited hardware to those who will actually use it for gaming. This approach attempts to balance consumer demand against the reality of manufacturing bottlenecks.
Shortages are no longer isolated to Japan, as the PS5 Pro is facing similar availability issues in other markets. Devices are frequently appearing on secondary markets at significantly inflated prices due to the scarcity. We have tracked these supply chain disruptions closely, including reports of the PS5 Pro sells out in US after GTA 6 reveal, which highlights the global nature of the demand surge.
Sony confirmed that the lottery is a direct response to ongoing supply shortages that are expanding beyond the Japanese market. The company continues to prioritize active users through these restrictive purchase mechanisms. This strategy remains in place as the console struggles to meet global demand.
Source: IXBT
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