PlayStation players must prove their gaming history before entering
Summary
– Sony is requiring Japanese players to record 60 hours of gameplay to enter the PS5 Pro lottery
– Playtime from both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 counts toward the requirement
– The rule appears designed to limit scalpers from securing consoles
Sony has introduced a new requirement for Japanese players hoping to purchase a PlayStation 5 Pro.
Players must record at least 60 hours of gameplay on their PlayStation accounts between September 2024 and September 2026 to qualify for Sony’s PS5 Pro purchase lottery.
Gameplay recorded on either PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 will count toward the total. Players who meet the requirement can enter the lottery for an opportunity to purchase the console directly from Sony.
The system does not guarantee that every eligible player will receive a PS5 Pro. Selected players will be notified if they receive the chance to buy one.
Anyone who fails to complete the purchase may see that console offered to another eligible player through a future lottery. That gives Sony another way to prevent available systems from going unused.
The 60-hour requirement is not especially demanding for regular PlayStation players. Someone who plays games consistently over two years should have little trouble reaching the total.
Sony’s goal appears to be limiting scalpers. Requiring an established gameplay history makes it more difficult for people to create new accounts solely to purchase consoles and resell them at higher prices.
The PS5 Pro has faced supply pressure in Japan, with ongoing memory shortages affecting production and availability. Sony’s lottery system helps the company manage demand while prioritizing longtime players over buyers with no PlayStation history.
The approach also rewards customers who have already spent time using PlayStation consoles. Instead of relying only on speed or luck during a retail release, players must show that they have been active members of the PlayStation community.
Japanese players who meet the requirement will have a chance to enter Sony’s lottery and potentially purchase a PS5 Pro directly from the company.
