Sony now requires evidence that you are an active player before selling a PS5 Pro in Japan. Prospective buyers must have at least 60 hours of logged playtime to be eligible to enter the lottery for a console. This new measure aims to limit purchases by resellers and ensure consoles reach genuine users.
How Sony’s 60-hour test works
To qualify, players must have logged a minimum of 60 hours across PS4 and PS5 titles on the same Sony account they will use to apply. The required playtime must be recorded between September 27, 2024 and September 27, 2026. Only accounts registered as Japanese domestic accounts are eligible, and accounts created just prior to the deadline do not qualify — Sony appears to be filtering for established domestic activity rather than recently created or foreign accounts.
Meeting the 60-hour threshold does not guarantee you will receive a console. If applications exceed the available stock, Sony will run a lottery to allocate units. Applications are accepted through Sony’s online store during the entry window, which runs from September 28 to October 7. Winners are notified around October 26 and must complete their purchase by November 2. Any units that go unclaimed after the first round are expected to be reallocated in a second draw.
Why the hoops?
Sony’s official materials do not spell out every motivation behind the new requirement, but the company’s terms do state it reserves the right to cancel orders that appear intended for resale. The 60-hour rule is consistent with efforts to discourage scalpers — individuals or groups who buy high-demand items like game consoles to resell them at steep markups. By tying eligibility to real playtime on a domestic account, Sony raises the barrier for scalpers and for overseas buyers who might attempt to purchase units for export.
Supply constraints have also played a role in recent availability issues. A global shortage of memory chips and other components, driven in part by increased demand for AI hardware and other high-performance electronics, has strained console production at times and contributed to shortages in multiple markets. These production pressures, combined with high consumer demand, have made consoles more scarce and, in some cases, more expensive on secondary markets.
Sony has employed similar measures before. For example, in 2024 the company required 30 hours of registered playtime in Japan to qualify for purchase of a limited-edition PS5 Pro model after scalpers quickly snapped up initial stock. The recent increase to 60 hours reflects a stricter stance, likely informed by prior experience and ongoing attempts to get consoles into the hands of dedicated players rather than resellers.
If you live in Japan and believe you meet the eligibility criteria, verify that your logged hours are recorded on the Sony account you intend to use, and ensure that account is set up as a domestic Japanese account. Keep an eye on the official Sony online store entry period and submit your application by the October 7 deadline if you wish to take part in the lottery. Respond promptly if you are notified as a winner, since purchases must be completed by the specified deadline to keep your allocation.
For buyers outside Japan, this policy does not apply at present. The requirement is specific to sales through Sony’s Japanese channels and appears designed to address local market conditions and reseller behavior. International customers should continue to follow announcements from Sony for their regions to learn about any eligibility rules or changes that might affect availability elsewhere.
Ultimately, this 60-hour rule is one of several strategies companies can use to discourage bulk buying and reselling of limited or high-demand hardware. While it adds a layer of complexity for legitimate buyers in Japan, Sony’s approach aims to prioritize genuine players and reduce the impact of scalpers on local consumers.