Sony Adds Playtime Requirement for PS5 Pro Lottery in Japan

October 1, 2026

Sony has introduced another barrier for Japanese customers trying to buy a PlayStation 5 Pro. Buyers must enter a lottery, and their PlayStation Network account must meet a minimum playtime threshold before they can qualify.

The requirement arrives as demand for Sony’s more powerful PS5 model remains strong. Increasing RAM and component costs have contributed to higher console prices, while scalpers have listed PS5 Pro units at extremely high resale prices.

What the Japanese PS5 Pro lottery requires

Applicants need a Japanese PlayStation Network account with access to online services. The account must also show at least 60 hours of cumulative playtime recorded between September 27, 2024 and September 27, 2026.

That total is fairly modest across a two-year period. The rule is intended to make the draw less attractive to scalpers using newly created or inactive accounts, rather than to test whether applicants are particularly dedicated players.

Application dates and price

Lottery registration remains open until October 7.
Sony will notify applicants by October 26 about whether they can attempt to purchase a console.
Selected applicants have until November 2 to complete their purchase.
The price is 137,980 yen, approximately $875.

Registering does not guarantee an order. The number of consoles available will determine how many selected applicants can ultimately complete a purchase.

Readers seeking more PlayStation 5 Pro coverage can follow the topic, while Australian gamers comparing home entertainment options can use RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide.

Those considering a dedicated gaming setup can browse RETROCADE’s arcade machines, compare space-saving bartop arcades, or keep up with industry developments through the arcade blog.

Could Sony expand the system?

Sony has not introduced the same lottery or playtime condition for PS5 Pro purchases in other territories. Similar measures remain possible if demand continues to exceed supply, but there is no confirmed plan to apply the Japanese rules elsewhere.

For customers unable to access the Japanese draw, the alternatives are paying heavily inflated resale prices or waiting for more stock. The decision may feel more urgent with the highly anticipated release of GTA 6 in November.