Sony has implemented a lottery system for the PlayStation 5 Pro in Japan, a move designed to combat scalping and manage demand that continues to exceed available supply. The Japanese branch of the official Sony website now accepts applications for purchases of the new console.
To be eligible for the lottery, applicants must possess a Sony account registered in Japan and have logged a minimum of 60 hours of playtime on that account within the last two years. These requirements are intended as safeguards against scalpers acquiring the limited stock.
The application window is open until October 7th. If the number of applicants surpasses the available PS5 Pro units, a lottery will be conducted. Winners will be notified via message on October 26th. Selected individuals will have one week to complete their purchase of the console, which costs ¥137,980 (approximately £662 or $876), before forfeiting their chance to buy.
The ongoing supply shortages for gaming hardware are exacerbated by factors such as the increased demand for AI data centers, which has led to price hikes and reduced availability of components like RAM and storage. This situation has made acquiring new consoles a challenge for consumers globally.
Sony's lottery approach echoes similar systems, such as the one used for housing in Final Fantasy XIV. That system was introduced to manage fierce competition for limited in-game land plots, reducing the need for players to constantly monitor for availability.