Anti-Scalper Measures
In the face of strong demand and device shortages, Sony has decided to filter PlayStation 5 Pro purchasers in Japan using a lottery system. We have seen such anti-scalper techniques used by the makers of the most treasured tech before, but the Sony Store in Japan is also insisting that those joining the queue for PS5 Pro purchase tickets possess a Japanese PSN account. Furthermore, participants must have logged at least 60 hours of gaming time on a PS4 or PS5 over the last two years.
「PlayStation®5 Pro」のソニーストアでの購入申し込みを、本日9月28日（月）より受け付けます。ご応募・ご購入には条件がございます。ご応募数が販売予定台数を超えた場合は抽選となりますので、あらかじめご了承ください。詳しくはこちら⇒ https://t.co/h4rOIltI9Q pic.twitter.com/71VaLlu5edSeptember 28, 2026
The Sony Store’s PS5 Pro application and purchase conditions indicate that PS5 Pro purchase lottery ticket applications are limited to gamers who can satisfy specific regional and activity criteria.
Applicants must use PlayStation Online Services with a Sony account registered in Japan.
Buyers must be signed in to their Sony account and have played a total of 60 hours or more of games on either a PS5, a PS4, or both, between September 27, 2024, and September 27, 2026.
Purchase Schedule
These Sony Store PS5 Pro purchase applications will open on October 7, with sales to ticket holders commencing October 26, 2026. If the applications to purchase Sony’s MSRP stock outstrip supply, then prospective purchasers will be selected via lottery. Successful applicants will have until November 2 to complete the purchase of their PS5 Pro at MSRP.
Market Demand
The PS5 Pro has been available to buy for approaching two years, having launched in November 2024. These game consoles have also seen prices climb several times due to key components being funneled to AI data centers. Demand for the console is reportedly rising, at least partly due to the impending release of major software titles.
Japanese gamers have previously raised concerns about foreign tourists buying up hardware stocks. That experience makes the PS5 Pro lottery system, tied to the Japanese PSN account requirement, seem logical. Moreover, the logged PlayStation gaming time of 60 hours helps steer stock to individuals who buy these machines to use rather than resell.
